CHAPTER LIV. “THE PEOPLE” ARE GIVEN “LIBERTY.”

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# CHAPTER LIV. ## Overview This is a chapter from the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ) by Herman Melville, titled "CHAPTER LIV. “THE PEOPLE” ARE GIVEN “LIBERTY.” It is extracted from the file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. The chapter discusses the effects of granting liberty to the crew of a man-of-war. ## Context The chapter is positioned within the narrative of [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ) between [CHAPTER LIII. SEAFARING PERSONS PECULIARLY SUBJECT TO BEING UNDER THE WEATHER.—THE EFFECTS OF THIS UPON A MAN-OF-WAR CAPTAIN.](arke:01KG8AJSTQQXR5SQ03FTTZR1W1) and [CHAPTER LV. MIDSHIPMEN ENTERING THE NAVY EARLY.](arke:01KG8AJSTQWPBBBGPYGXWSXKAQ). It explores the consequences of relaxing naval discipline and granting shore leave to sailors, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. ## Contents The chapter comprises four chunks of text. It describes the events following the granting of "liberty" to the starboard-quarter watch, including the sailors' behavior ashore, their subsequent return to the ship in various states of intoxication, and the resulting chaos on board. The chapter also touches on the conduct of officers ashore, particularly Lieutenant Mad Jack, and the folly of sending young midshipmen to sea prematurely. It concludes with a reflection on the nature of virtue and its limited sway when imposed through compulsion rather than embraced freely.

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2026-01-30T20:49:53.015Z

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CHAPTER LIV.

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8832

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2026-01-30T20:47:39.667Z

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01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY

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CHAPTER LIV. “THE PEOPLE” ARE GIVEN “LIBERTY.”