Question

In “excerpt in kidnapped “ lines 42-43 Balfour gives into despair. Why does he fling himself, “down upon the sands” and weep? Use two details from the story to support your response.

Answer 1

This scene occurs when Balfour is on the small islet. Balfour gives into despair when he tires to cross the river but cannot -- it is too deep. He finds that his "yard" (a piece of wood he was saving to float on) has been carried away. Believing he has no way to escape the islet, he gives into despair and weeps.