Chance · Chapter
I: The Ferndale explained
Marlow reveals that he has been keeping in touch with Powell since their first meeting at the inn.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Marlow's solitary cruising on the river and his pursuit of Powell's mystery reflect a sense of isolation, while the hidden life on the Ferndale suggests a profound loneliness for its inhabitants.
Deception and Illusion
The chapter explores the deceptions of appearances, from Powell's secretive disappearances to Captain Anthony's new, guarded demeanor, which conceals the truth of his marriage.
Love and Sacrifice
Marlow's reflections on Captain Anthony's 'pity and tenderness' and his 'ideal conception of his position' suggest a love that involves sacrifice and self-deception.
Characters to notice
- Marlow
Narrates his pursuit of Powell's mystery and his reflections on the relationship between Flora and Captain Anthony.
- Charles Powell
The subject of Marlow's investigation; he disappears mysteriously into an Essex creek, revealing a secretive side.
- Captain Anthony
Shows a new, defiant, and self-conscious demeanor on board the Ferndale, suggesting the impact of his recent marriage.
- Franklin
The chief mate of the Ferndale, who notices a change in his captain and feels a strange unease about the new situation on board.
- Flora de Barral
Though not present, she is the central subject of Marlow's speculation and the cause of the changes observed in Captain Anthony.
Key passages
“I have said that the story of Flora de Barral was imparted to me in stages. At this stage I did not see Marlow for some time.”
Marlow's narrative about Flora de Barral is revealed piece by piece, and after a significant gap, he returns to continue the tale.
Sets up the structure of the narrative and the passage of time.
“The man was intoxicated with the pity and tenderness of his part.”
Captain Anthony was overwhelmed by his feelings of compassion and devotion in his role as Flora's protector.
Marlow's interpretation of Anthony's emotional state.
“He could only have an ideal conception of his position. An ideal is often but a flaming vision of reality.”
Anthony's understanding of his situation was based on an idealized notion, which is often a distorted but passionate view of the truth.
Marlow's philosophical musing on Anthony's character.
“I have the practical certitude that soon afterwards they went together in a hansom to see the ship—as agreed.”
Marlow is certain that Flora and Anthony did go to see the ship together, as they had planned, which confirms that Flora did go to sea.
Provides a key piece of evidence for Marlow's conclusion.
“It was a strange and disturbing feeling for Franklin. He, just back from leave, the ship just come to her loading berth, the captain just come on board, and apparently nothing to say!”
Franklin felt uneasy because, despite all the usual activity of returning to the ship, there was an unusual silence and lack of communication between him and the captain.
Highlights the change in the ship's atmosphere.
