Chance · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Chance by Joseph Conrad.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph, a quotation from Sir Thomas Browne, introduces the novel's central meditation on the role of Fortune or fate in human affairs, suggesting that while Fortune governs all things, human error lies in persisting in that belief without acknowledging other forces.
Chapter 2
Dedication
The book is dedicated to Sir Hugh Clifford, K.C.M.G., acknowledging his steadfast friendship as the reason for the book's existence.
Chapter 3
Author's Note
In the Author's Note, Joseph Conrad reflects on the genesis of the novel 'Chance,' explaining how he was initially torn between two narrative directions and ultimately decided to follow Captain Anthony's pursuit of Flora de Barral. He discusses the novel's reception, its popularity with the general public, and the critical analysis it received. Conrad also muses on the nature of his art, the loneliness of the writer, and the importance of sympathy from readers, while defending his intentions as purely artistic rather than didactic.
Chapter 4
Chance
The opening chapter of 'Chance' introduces the novel's narrative frame. The narrator, Marlow, recounts his meeting with Powell, a young man who has just passed his examination to become a second mate. Powell's story begins with his securing a berth on the ship 'Ferndale' through a chance encounter with its captain, Anthony. The chapter establishes the theme of chance and fate as Powell's career and life take an unexpected turn, setting the stage for the complex tale of Flora de Barral and Captain Anthony.
Chapter 5
Part I: The Damsel
The chapter introduces Charles Powell, a young sailor who, after passing his examination, meets Marlow at an inn and secures a berth as second mate on the Ferndale. The narrative also introduces Flora de Barral, a young woman whose life has been shattered by her father's financial ruin and abandonment by her governess. The Fynes take her in, and she meets Captain Anthony, leading to their elopement. The chapter explores themes of isolation, social class, and the deceptions surrounding Flora's identity.
Chapter 6
I: Young Powell and His Chance
The chapter introduces Charles Powell, a young sailor, through a conversation with Marlow and the narrator. Powell recounts his start in life, including his encounter with the Senior Shipping-Master, also named Mr. Powell, who helps him secure a berth on the Ferndale. The chapter explores the nature of the sea, the characters of Marlow and Powell, and the circumstances that lead to Powell's first significant voyage.
Chapter 7
II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend
Marlow recounts a late-night conversation with the Fynes about a young woman (Flora) who has run away with Captain Anthony. Mrs. Fyne reveals her radical feminist doctrine, which justifies a woman's disregard for others' feelings in pursuit of her own existence. Marlow learns that Flora is an orphan 'to a certain extent' and that her father is a 'savage sentimentalist.' The chapter also introduces the background of Captain Anthony, son of the poet Carleon Anthony, and describes the Fynes' marriage and family life.
Chapter 8
III: Thrift—and the Child
Marlow recounts the sudden and total financial ruin of de Barral, describing how his entire fortune vanished within twenty-four hours, leaving him destitute. The chapter explores the public perception of de Barral as a symbol of 'Thrift' and his personal helplessness, as well as the neglect and death of his wife, and the governess's exploitation of the situation.
Chapter 9
IV: The Governess
Marlow recounts the governess's plot to abandon Flora de Barral. The governess, with her supposed nephew Charley, plans to leave Flora just as her father's financial empire collapses. Flora, unaware, enjoys a final ride with Charley, while the governess packs her belongings. The chapter ends with the governess and Charley confronting Flora, who senses their sinister intentions.
Chapter 10
V: The Tea-Party
Marlow is invited to the Fynes' cottage but instead proposes they come to his rooms for tea. Mrs. Fyne arrives and, over tea, discusses Flora de Barral's situation. She reveals that Flora has told Captain Anthony all about her life, and Marlow learns more about the hardships Flora endured after her father's arrest, including being taken away by an odious relative and her father's refusal to communicate with her.
Chapter 11
VI: Flora
Mrs. Fyne tells Marlow about Flora de Barral's past. After her father's trial, Flora lived with a vulgar, cruel family in Limehouse, who tormented her. She fled to the Fynes' house in distress. Later, she was sent to Hamburg under an assumed name, where a married merchant made improper advances. His wife discovered this and threw Flora out, sending her back to London. Flora survived the journey thanks to a kind stewardess. Mrs. Fyne later revealed the truth about the merchant's intentions. Marlow reflects on Captain Anthony's actions, suspecting he may be a scoundrel but hoping he is a fine fellow. He also analyzes Mrs. Fyne's motives for opposing the match, concluding she wanted to estrange the couple from the Fynes permanently.
Chapter 12
VII: On the Pavement
Marlow continues his narrative, focusing on his conversation with Flora de Barral. She reveals her encounter with Captain Anthony, explaining that she had gone to the garden to keep a tryst with death, not love, but Anthony misunderstood her intentions. She asks Marlow to never mention to Anthony that he saw her. Marlow reflects on her shame and remorse. Fyne later tells Marlow about the letter Flora wrote to the Fynes, which Mrs. Fyne found challenging and unbalanced. Fyne is on a mission to see Captain Anthony about the situation, and Marlow observes him entering the hotel.
Chapter 13
Part II: The Knight
The chapter shifts focus to Captain Anthony, the 'Knight' of the title. Marlow describes Anthony's background as the son of a famous poet, his solitary life at sea, and his reputation. The narrative then moves to the Fynes' household, where Flora de Barral is staying. Mrs. Fyne, who has taken an interest in Flora, is writing a letter to Captain Anthony on Flora's behalf, a task she undertakes with a sense of moral purpose. The chapter details the Fynes' life, their cottage, and their interactions, including the arrival of Marlow. It culminates in a meeting between Captain Anthony and Flora, orchestrated by Mrs. Fyne, where the two are left alone to become acquainted, setting the stage for their future elopement.
Chapter 14
I: The Ferndale
Marlow reveals that he has been keeping in touch with Powell since their first meeting at the inn. He describes his attempts to track Powell's mysterious disappearances, which lead him to a secluded Essex creek. Marlow then reflects on the situation between Flora de Barral and Captain Anthony, speculating on their first meeting and the emotional state of both. The chapter also introduces Franklin, the chief mate of the Ferndale, who returns from leave to find his captain acting strangely, with a new, guarded demeanor that hints at the presence of a woman on board.
Chapter 15
II: Young Powell Sees and Hears
Marlow continues his narrative, focusing on Powell's early days aboard the Ferndale. Powell is struck by the unexpected youth of Captain Anthony's wife, a shock that upends his preconceived notions. He observes the crew's subtle resentment of the marriage, particularly from the chief mate Franklin, who feels displaced from the saloon. Powell, young and inexperienced, fails to grasp the deeper, more subtle marital tensions that Marlow hints at, seeing only the surface of the unusual shipboard life.
Chapter 16
III: Devoted Servants—and the Light of a Flare
Marlow reflects on the intertwined fates of Flora de Barral and Captain Anthony, while Powell observes the strained dynamics aboard the Ferndale. The captain's distant behavior toward his wife and her father, the mysterious Mr. Smith, and the unusual shipboard arrangements all contribute to an atmosphere of secrecy and tension. Powell's curiosity grows as he witnesses the silent exchanges between the couple and the watchful presence of the old man, hinting at deeper conflicts.
Chapter 17
IV: Anthony and Flora
Marlow continues his narrative, revealing the psychological mystery aboard the Ferndale. He recounts how Captain Anthony, after meeting Flora de Barral, insisted on marrying her to protect her from her father's return, despite his belief that she did not love him. Flora, feeling humiliated and worthless, accepted his proposal out of a sense of duty and despair. Their marriage was a formal arrangement, with Anthony vowing not to impose on her, and Flora returning alone to her lodgings after the ceremony.
Chapter 18
V: The Great de Barral
This chapter focuses on the release of de Barral from prison and his reunion with his daughter, Flora, who has since married Captain Anthony. The reunion is strained, as de Barral is bitter and suspicious, while Flora tries to convince him of the safety and refuge offered by her new husband and the ship. The chapter also shows Captain Anthony preparing the Ferndale for their arrival, creating a private space, and his own anxiety about meeting de Barral.
Chapter 19
VI: … a Moonless Night, Thick with Stars Above, Very Dark on the Water
Marlow visits Flora, now Mrs. Anthony, at a cottage where she recounts her marriage and the emotional turmoil with her father and husband. The chapter reveals Flora's initial reckless letter to Mrs. Fyne, her growing love for Roderick, and the tension aboard the Ferndale, where Powell observes the strained relationships and Mr. Smith's (de Barral's) unsettling behavior.
