Kidnapped 4.3

I had come to his door no better than a beggar and little more than a child; he had met me with treachery and violence;
it would be a fine consummation to take the upper hand, and drive him like a herd of sheep.
~     Kindle Edition, pg 27

David Balfour is not a child, but his story, published serially in a child's magazine, offers a range of experiences and an ideal for which to strive. David is already seventeen when he sets out to seek his fortune from his uncle at Shaws, but he sets a heroic example for young readers. David's adventure requires him to be resourceful, to make friends, to learn to trust and assess people. He acts bravely, and makes good choices with the information he has.

One important factor in the scene from which the quotation comes that contrasts starkly (or agrees with, as the ages differ) to Olaudah Equiano's childhood is David's confidence in himself because of his size. Although his uncle threatens him with violence, he is entirely sure he could give back as good as he gets. He express fear in other places in the book, but only in a context that also includes courage or action despite it. Olaudah and other children feel helpless when antagonized by grownups and other large people. David may be shanghai'd and kidnapped, held hostage, and hindered, but only when he is ill does he feel really weak and helpless. He jumps an impossible distance with "that kind of anger of despair that has sometimes stood me in stead of courage" (136), even drunk, ill, cramped, and bruised from running. Illness is also David's biggest excuse for picking a fight with Alan on politics (172).

Further questions: the ending. Why so sad?