Discipline and leadership in Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander

Master and Commander

It is clear from the beginning of the novel, Master & Commander, and especially from Jack Aubrey's first meetings with his crew, that discipline among shipmates and respect for superiors are essential qualities on a battle ship. In the light of the requirements of this setting, this is logical. Living in close quarters for months on end could take its toll on men of different dispositions and tempers. If extreme discipline is not maintained, chaos may ensue. This is especially so in battle. Thus naval officers of the time were subject to a rigorous discipline that could often be accredited for saving lives.

Aubrey, as the ship's captain, was then the primary embodiment of such discipline. The air that this gives him is of a person set apart from the "normal" shipmates. He is given his deserved reverence when he boards the Sophie for the first time. Yet he is not tyrannical. He imposes his authority from the basis of a self-assured dignity. He is somewhat stubborn, but balances this quality with the wisdom of his leadership.

Discipline among the shipmates of the Sophie is also evident before Jack Aubrey even boards the ship. This is evident in the fact that they have obviously made considerable effort to prepare the ship and themselves for the first meeting with their captain. Aubrey shows the kind of discipline that he would impose by being "blind to the things he was not meant to see." (O'Brian 26). These include some minor defects such as a piece of ham and a defecating goat.