Baptiste in A Long Fatal Love Chase Essay Example

In the gothic novel, A Long Fatal Love Chase, by Louisa May Alcott, the author depicts Baptiste as loyal to a fault in his willingness to obey Tempest no matter the cost, in order to prove how complete devotion to someone demands the sacrifice of one’s morals.

Toward the beginning of the novel, Baptiste is introduced to the readers through Rosamond’s perspective, highlighting his jealousy over Tempest’s favoritism toward Lito and later being seen aiding Tempest in his quest to trigger Willoughby’s death. Hanging on to Tempest’s every word, Baptiste presents himself as a man of many skills, ready to perform any task, so long as Tempest gives the order. Such blind conviction evokes curiosity from the audience as Baptiste’s devotion to his master must be due to an intimate, past interaction between the two. Surely his willingness to aid in murder (indirect or not)- displaying a lack of a moral compass- must be due to a debt of sorts? This line of questioning and inexplicability is what denotes Baptiste as morally ambiguous, as the motivation behind his actions along with his past have in no way been revealed. Further striving to paint Baptiste in a bad light is the extent of his jealousy of Lito, as he kills Lito’s dog just to spite him. Baptiste’s desire for validation and attention from Tempest runs deep through him, so much so, that he adds animal cruelty and abuse to his list of atrocities, as provoked by his loyalty to Tempest. However, this is the first instance in which Baptiste is seen acting without his master’s order. This opens up a small window for individuality, independence, and free thought for Baptiste, which slowly develops his character into possibly someone who is more than just a disposable machine for Tempest since Phillip is not one for expressing forgiveness toward those who have disobeyed him.

Continuing on his path of total submission unto Tempest, Baptiste is seen, in several instances, following Rosamond in her many attempts to flee from Phillip’s control. Whether it be standing outside as a guard or constantly monitoring buildings like a stalker, Baptiste never seems to tire of setting his morals aside to satisfy Tempest. However, the interaction between Rosamond and Baptiste in the mental asylum gives way for character development for Baptiste. As Rosamond argues her case with him and begs Baptiste to let her flee, Baptiste’s body language and facial expressions soften, showing that he is sympathizing with Rosamond. With Tempest stuck in England due to the divorce with Marion, both Rosamond and Baptiste are presented with the opportunity to disobey him, without his knowledge. After hearing her cries for freedom, Baptiste recognizes that he too has the chance to act on his own free will and perhaps do good, for once in his life. By allowing Rosamond to escape, Baptiste would be going against Tempest’s desire, perhaps suffering his wrath in doing so, but this one deed would be enough to trigger a redemption arc, at least in the eyes of the audience (maybe not law enforcement though). With this sliver of an opportunity for freedom and a shackle-less life, Baptiste acts aloof, successfully allowing Rosamond to make a run for it. Such a pure action allows for Baptiste’s character to become more complex as never before was he willing to sacrifice his relationship with Tempest for anything, let alone Rosamond, who he never particularly liked. As bound to Tempest as he was, Baptiste appears to be slowly slipping away from his iron grip, similar to Rosamond and Lito. However, all this development of a moral compass is shattered as he betrays Rosamond and reveals the plan to Tempest, allowing Rosamond to be captured once again. Once more does curiosity peak in the audience as Baptiste’s betrayal of Rosamond finalized his potential lack of morals, yet due to his submissive nature and Tempest’s infamous rage, it becomes difficult to truly paint Baptiste as purely evil.

As the novel comes to a close, Baptiste’s past is revealed, showing the cause of his complete devotion to Tempest: Baptiste was a convicted criminal, scheduled to be executed, but when Tempest came across him, he took pity and saved him from certain death. Thus, Baptiste feels that he owes his life to Tempest, and is, therefore, ready to commit crimes for his master. As Baptiste is later arrested and eventually executed, and as Tempest quickly grieves his death, the extent of their relationship is slowly revealed and explored with all its intricacies and thorns. Due to the seriousness of Baptiste’s past and his debt to Tempest, he leaves the audience slightly sympathizing with him, though his actions cannot be entirely justified.

Devotion has its limits, though those limits may not be pushed until the last minute. Total surrender unto a powerful figure may lead to disastrous consequences, forcing one to yield themselves in all forms, causing a lack of morals despite having a moral compass.