Why does Admiral James Norrington ultimately side with the pirates?

Why does Admiral James Norrington ultimately side with the pirates? - Back view of crop anonymous male driving contemporary transport while turning steering wheel in daylight

I will always stand with Sparrow and his forces... but what did Admiral Norrington see in them in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End? He had a decent rank working for Beckett aboard the HMS Endeavor.

"But he had always been too good for them..." that is what someone said to me the other day. Then why did he not switch sides sooner? Or at least have become a spy? That would have been a real joke on Beckett!

It breaks my heart to watch him finally decide with whom his loyalties lie (the kissing scene between him and Elizabeth makes me cry) and then Bootstrap kills him... I guess fate truly does intervene... Beckett was right for once... WHY!?



Best Answer

Because James felt there was honor & duty in serving the British Royal Navy (reinstated later by East Indian Co.). --But the only thing missing from his life was someone he "loved".

Ultimately, he loved Elizabeth and his belief system and morality is contested when Elizabeth reveals to James, that Beckett had her father killed, proving the institutions he once believed in, are now wrong (without honor).

Note: Norrington represents a dichotomy featured in the series about the order (Government-Military - Security) vs freedom (or Imperialism vs Piracy) AND themes of unrequited/disrupted love stories.

At World's End Transcript: (Note: The KISS)

Norrington [to Elizabeth]: Come with me. [she doesn’t move] Quickly! [she nods to crew and they exit]

Elizabeth: What are you doing?

Norrington: Choosing a side. [Elizabeth exits cell. Bootstrap sees empty cell and looks around.] Do not go to Shipwreck Cove. Beckett knows of the meeting of the Brethren. I fear there may be a traitor among them.

Elizabeth: It’s too late to earn my forgiveness.

Norrington: I had nothing to do with your father’s death. That doesn’t absolve me of my other sins.

Elizabeth: Come with us. James, come with me. enter Bootstrap]

Bootstrap: Who goes there?

Norrington [to Elizabeth]: Go. I will follow.

Elizabeth: You’re lying.

Norrington: Our destinies have been entwined, Elizabeth... but never joined. [kisses her] Go! Now! [to Bootstrap] Back to your station, sailor.

Confirmed by POTC Wikipedia:

Despite having got what he wanted, Norrington came to regret his previous actions upon learning of Beckett's hand in Governor Swann's death, which he learned from Elizabeth after capturing the Empress. In the end, Norrington had to make a choice and choose a side. Norrington gave up everything, including his life, to help Elizabeth and her crew escape from the Flying Dutchman.


Among those gathered was Elizabeth Swann, whom Norrington had first met on the crossing from England, and had developed a friendship with over the past eight years. However, Norrington was also in love with Elizabeth, and, since he believed a wife was the only thing missing in his life, wished for her hand in marriage. http://pirates.wikia.com/wiki/James_Norrington




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Did James Norrington become a pirate?

As captain of HMS Interceptor, Norrington had chased and captured some of the Caribbean's most fearsome pirates. Through Norrington's efforts, Port Royal became a civilized British settlement. Because of those efforts, Norrington was eventually promoted from captain to commodore of the British Royal Navy.

Who is James Norrington in Pirates of the Caribbean?

James Norrington. James Norrington, portrayed by Jack Davenport, appears in The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, and At World's End. Norrington served in the Royal Navy as a lieutenant.

How old was James Norrington in Pirates of the Caribbean?

James Norrington, a lieutenant at the time, is 20. The main events of the film take place when Elizabeth is 20 and Norrington 28, and the disparity in their ages wouldn't have necessarily been problematic during the time period in which the film takes place, but knowing their history can be unsettling for some fans.

What does Norrington say before pursuing Jack?

Gillette asks Norrington about Jack, and he says an extra line that was cut from the film, "Shall we prepare the Dauntless in pursuit?" before Norrington says, "Oh, I think we can afford to give him one day's head start."



Pirates of the Caribbean 3 - Deserves An Old Friend




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