Why is Ralph addressed as ‘Sir’?

QuestionsWhy is Ralph addressed as ‘Sir’?
Anonymous asked 7 years ago

In Robert Southey’s poem The Inchcape Rock, Ralph the Rover is addressed as Sir Ralph repeatedly. What might be the reasons?

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1 Answers
Staff answered 7 years ago

Ralph is the captain of a ship, so his crew members and followers called him ‘sir’. Moreover it may indicate that he was well-established and respected in the society for being a rich man.

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