Themes in Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess

[Akinola John]

Several themes are present in the book such as loyalty, revenge, betrayal, love, and treasures.

[Sia P]

There were several themes that were strong throughout the book, but love and betrayal were two of the most prominent.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

I will pinpoint betrayal and slavery. Under betrayal, we see the fate of Captain Erasmus, who was betrayed and later murdered in gruesome manner. Under slavery, we recollect the plight of Katrina Mooney.

[OTrain Disene]

I also picked up betrayal. Betrayal is something that keeps us readers in our toes because we don't see it coming, and most importantly, people have reasons for betraying, so in this case the author challenges our mind on what we might think about betrayal.

[Alexandrian O]

The main theme Dan worked with is betrayal. However, the book does not disappoint as it also contains friendship, love, enmity, even slavery and a bit of revenge to keep you on your toes. I especially loved Brandy's fighting spirit.

[Anthony__]

The major theme in this book is betrayal. Although it contained other themes like slavery, self sacrifies, and family.

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

Adventure and drama, the key genres containing all the themes.

[Tendy567]

Betrayal seemed to be the most dominant theme. However, there were other themes like friendship, loyalty and love.

[Ruth Frances A]

Betrayals, love, friendship and gender bias are key. There is also strength and determination. I have studied the piracy of the time then, and I am wondering how to relate it to today. The advancement of technology has made this period in time quite complex too.

[cutemami]

For me, love was a strong theme in this book. The love Brandy’s mother had for her was truly great and she showed that love by paying with her life.

[Prodigy 28]

Although the book had many themes in it, I think the one that captures any reader is "The theme of betrayal". Because from the beginning of the novel, we can see the theme in action

[Simmons32]

You are right, betrayal does seem to be a common theme in this story. I think another theme could also be redemption. Brandy tries so hard to be better than her parents. However, she still feels love toward her mom and wants to honor her. I think she loved her father too but didn't respect him as much when she learned more about him. Brandy has harsh memories of her parents as pirates and feels shame that they used slaves on The Red Witch. Her regretful memories encourage her to be better, and also lead her to a better life.

[wmeki510]

I can identify the themes of slavery and betrayal. And Erasmus is one of the victims of betrayal. These are socially significant themes for the period being covered by this novel.

[wmeki510]

Hi, I believe the author's focus on bringing out betrayal in the book is an attempt to deconstruct the contemporary society, where goals and dreams are motivated by selfishness band narcissistic tendencies. What actually struck me is that Dan had to find ways of killing Erick to foreground the theme of betrayal.

Yes. It is disheartening how the world is gradually turning into a jungle because of our desperate dispositions and selfish interests. These are among the things that make us stab and betray those who trust in us.

[Patty Allread]

I agree that Hendrickson did an outstanding job telling his story. One of the things I appreciate is how the themes in the book naturally dovetail with each other and relate to the story so smoothly.

An obvious theme is the immorality of slavery, but I see another related theme: confronting wrongdoings of the past and making amends to change the future. This motivated both Brandy and her uncle Skinner, who regretted their participation in slavery on Red Witch. Initially, the circumstances of the attack on their ship sent them to shore to live a new life undercover. But that became their opportunity to lead truly different lives in terms of their moral viewpoint of slave trafficking.

Brandy and Skinner were good people who had participated in some terrible things. The storyline leads them to meet Edwards and Joshua, who are abolitionists and this is where the lives of Brandy and Skinner turn around. You could say that another related theme is the influence of the company you keep and the theme of forgiveness.