XI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Class and Colonial Hierarchy

  Massy's resentment of the 'sailor frauds' on the bridge and his disdain for the native crew illustrate class and racial tensions aboard the Sofala.

• Poverty and Dignity

  Massy's desperate clinging to the ship and his lottery obsession show the erosion of dignity under financial pressure, while Whalley's earlier confidence contrasts with his current vulnerability.

• Illusion vs. Reality

  Massy's fantasy of idleness and wealth from lottery winnings clashes with the grim reality of his debts and the ship's decay.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Massy

  Massy broods over his hatred for Whalley, his lottery obsession, and his resentment of the crew. He reflects on the partnership agreement and his desire to keep Whalley on the Sofala.

• Captain Whalley

  Whalley is mentioned as the object of Massy's hatred. His past confidence and rectitude are contrasted with his current diminished vigor. He gives orders for mooring.

• Mr. Sterne

  Sterne is mentioned as a schemer whom Massy tries to silence. He answers Whalley's orders and speaks cordially to Van Wyk from the rail.

• Mr. Van Wyk

  Van Wyk hails the ship from his jetty, asking about mail, and is answered by Sterne.

• Charley

  Paunchy Charley, the Maltese hotelkeeper, is recalled by Massy as someone who cringed before him after his lottery win.

Key passages

• “He needed every penny of profit the Sofala could make. Little enough it was, in all conscience! The incertitude of chance gave him no concern, since he had somehow arrived at the conviction that, in the course of years, every number was bound to have his winning turn.”

  Massy relied on every bit of income from the Sofala, believing that if he bought enough lottery tickets over time, one was sure to win.

  Highlights Massy's gambling obsession and financial desperation.

• “He had thrown away the substance for the shadow. Of the gratification of wealth he did not know enough to excite his imagination with any visions of luxury.”

  Massy felt he had sacrificed real value for an illusion; his background left him unable to picture the pleasures of wealth, only the idleness it could bring.

  Reflects the theme of illusion vs. reality and Massy's limited perspective.

• “The simplicity of that man appeared dangerous. Of late he had changed, however, had appeared less formidable and with a lessened vigor of life, as though he had received a secret wound.”

  Massy found Whalley's straightforwardness threatening, but recently Whalley seemed weaker, as if secretly hurt.

  Shows Massy's perception of Whalley's decline and his growing hatred.