The Country of the Pointed Firs · Chapter
XX: Along Shore explained
The narrator explores the shore of Dunnet Landing and observes the old fishermen, particularly Elijah Tilley.
What happens
The narrator explores the shore of Dunnet Landing and observes the old fishermen, particularly Elijah Tilley. After a brief encounter on the beach, she visits his home, where he shares memories of his late wife and his domestic life, revealing his grief and the comfort he finds in knitting and routine.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The old fishermen form a silent, close-knit alliance, helping each other with boats and traps, yet the narrator is gradually welcomed into their world.
Death and Mortality
Elijah Tilley's grief over his wife's death permeates the visit, as he recalls her satisfaction with life and the emptiness left behind.
Gender and Domestic Life
Tilley's home is meticulously kept by him after his wife's death, and he knits and mends, taking on traditionally female domestic tasks.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Observes the fishermen and visits Elijah Tilley's home, engaging in conversation about his life and loss.
- Elijah Tilley
An old fisherman who initially seems evasive but becomes friendly; he invites the narrator to his home and speaks of his deceased wife.
- Captain Bowden
Mentioned as the nephew of one of the old fishermen, regarded with deference but not part of their inner circle.
- Mrs. Almira Todd
Referenced by Elijah Tilley as a good woman; he plans to bring her mackerel.
- Monroe Pennell
Skipper of the lobster smack Miranda; he throws a drowsy boy overboard to wake him.
Key passages
“You felt almost as if a landmark pine should suddenly address you in regard to the weather, or a lofty-minded old camel make a remark as you stood respectfully near him under the circus tent.”
The narrator compares the rare speech of the old fishermen to a tree or camel unexpectedly speaking, highlighting their usual silence.
Illustrates the narrator's wonder at the fishermen's taciturn nature.
“I found that I had suddenly left the forbidding coast and come into the smooth little harbor of friendship.”
The narrator feels a shift from initial unease to a warm connection with Elijah Tilley.
Describes the narrator's emotional transition during the encounter.
“Oh, I didn't want to lose her an' she didn't want to go, but it had to be. Such things ain't for us to say; there's no yes an' no to it.”
Elijah Tilley expresses resignation and sorrow over his wife's death, accepting it as inevitable.
Reveals Tilley's deep grief and philosophical acceptance of mortality.