# XIII explained — The End of the Tether > Chapter companion for The End of the Tether by Joseph Conrad. ## What happens Captain Whalley reveals his blindness to Mr. Van Wyk, who learns the full extent of his condition. Sterne plots to force Whalley out of command by threatening to expose his blindness, but Mr. Van Wyk devises a plan to protect Whalley by securing his position through the Serang's competence and his own influence. ## Themes in this chapter ### Age and Obsolescence Captain Whalley's blindness symbolizes his physical decline, yet he clings to his role to provide for his daughter. The chapter explores how age renders him vulnerable to exploitation and loss of purpose. ### Fatherly Love and Sacrifice Whalley's determination to finish the trip to secure money for his daughter Ivy drives his actions, even as he faces humiliation and the threat of exposure. ### Loneliness and Isolation Whalley's blindness isolates him from the world, and his secret condition deepens his solitude. Mr. Van Wyk also feels a sense of isolation despite his efforts to help. ## Character check-ins ### Captain Whalley Reveals his blindness to Mr. Van Wyk, describing it as the light ebbing out of the world. He is determined to finish the trip to secure money for his daughter, but is vulnerable to Sterne's machinations. ### Mr. Van Wyk Learns of Whalley's blindness and is disgusted by Sterne's blackmail plot. He devises a plan to protect Whalley by taking a passage on the Sofala and using the Serang's competence to keep Whalley in command. ### Mr. Sterne Plots to scare Whalley into leaving the ship by threatening to expose his blindness, hoping to gain command. He approaches Mr. Van Wyk with his scheme but is outmaneuvered. ### Mr. Massy Rages at Jack's drunkenness, but is unaware of Sterne's plot. His obsession with the lottery and his harsh treatment of the crew continue. ### the Serang Revealed to be the one actually navigating the ship under Whalley's guidance, trained to handle the vessel despite Whalley's blindness. He is unaware of the captain's condition. ### Jack Drunk and raving in his cabin, shouting about Massy and others. His condition is a source of tension for Massy. ## Key lines > It is as if the light were ebbing out of the world. Have you ever watched the ebbing sea on an open stretch of sands withdrawing farther and farther away from you? It is like this—only there will be no flood to follow. Never. Whalley describes his blindness as a permanent fading of light, like the sea receding from a beach with no hope of return. _Whalley's poetic description of his blindness to Mr. Van Wyk._ > Think of it! Never see her any more: the only human being besides myself now on earth that can remember my wife. Whalley laments that he may never see his daughter Ivy again, the last person who shares memories of his wife. _Whalley's emotional confession about his daughter._ > He stiffens up that old monkey of a Malay, who knows well enough what to do. Why, he must have kept captain's watches in all sorts of country ships off and on for the last five-and-twenty years. Sterne explains to Mr. Van Wyk that the Serang is competent and can handle the ship under Whalley's guidance, despite Whalley's blindness. _Sterne's assessment of the Serang's role in keeping Whalley's secret._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters/xiii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters