The Adventures of Captain Hatteras · Chapter
XI: The Devil’s Thumb explained
During the commander's absence, the crew grows discontented and mutinous, plotting to abandon the expedition and return south.
What happens
During the commander's absence, the crew grows discontented and mutinous, plotting to abandon the expedition and return south. They blame the mysterious dog for their misfortunes and attempt to kill it. A terrifying mirage of the Devil's Thumb and a magnified apparition of the dog, caused by refraction, further frighten the sailors, deepening their superstition and rebellion.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Mutiny
The crew's open plotting to abandon the expedition and their attempt to kill the dog highlight the breakdown of authority under Shandon's hesitant command.
The Sublime and Dangerous Nature
The terrifying mirage of the Devil's Thumb and the magnified apparition of the dog demonstrate how the Arctic environment inspires awe and fear, driving the crew to superstition.
Characters to notice
- Richard Shandon
The commander, absent during the mutinous plotting, later returns to find the dog missing but hesitates to punish the crew. He attempts to navigate the ship through a newly discovered passage.
- Dr. Clawbonny
The doctor calmly explains the mirage of the Devil's Thumb and the refraction that magnified the dog, but his rational explanations fail to calm the superstitious crew.
- Pen
A leading mutineer, Pen incites the crew to abandon the expedition and attempts to kill the dog, calling it the 'captain' and blaming it for their troubles.
- Clifton
The cautious Clifton supports the mutiny, suggesting they persuade Shandon to return, and later identifies the dog as the 'dog-captain' during the refraction event.
- James Wall
The second mate, on watch during the storm and mirage, reports the crew's panic to Shandon.
Key passages
“I declare I’ve had enough; and if we are not free in three days, I swear I shan’t stir a finger to get the ship out.”
Pen announces he will stop working if the ship is not freed from the ice within three days.
Pen's ultimatum marks the beginning of the mutinous sentiment among the crew.
“It’s refraction!”
Dr. Clawbonny explains that the giant bear-like apparition is actually an optical illusion caused by refraction.
The doctor's rational explanation contrasts with the crew's superstitious terror, but fails to calm them.