The Mirror of the Sea · Chapter
III explained
The narrator reflects on Captain B——, a skilled but land-sick commander who suffered headaches near coasts.
What happens
The narrator reflects on Captain B——, a skilled but land-sick commander who suffered headaches near coasts. After a voyage from Calcutta to Dundee, the captain falls ill and retires ashore, where the narrator visits him. The captain reminisces about his early career in the copper-ore trade, and the narrator contemplates the merging of Landfall and Departure in the final voyage of life.
Themes in this chapter
Nostalgia and Loss
The narrator recalls Captain B——'s decline and the end of his seafaring career, contrasting past vigor with present frailty.
Heroism and National Spirit
Captain B——'s staunch service in the demanding copper-ore trade exemplifies the hardy seamanship and national pride of West-Country seamen.
The Sea as Mirror
The captain's final gaze, blending Landfall and Departure, reflects the sea as a metaphor for life's ultimate journey.
Characters to notice
- Captain B⸺
Suffers sick headaches near coasts; commands a London ship; falls ill after voyage and retires ashore; visited by narrator at home.
- Mr. Conrad
The narrator, a second mate under Captain B——, visits him at home after passing his master's examination.
Key passages
“If you happen to be in want of employment, remember that as long as I have a ship you have a ship, too.”
Captain B—— promises the narrator a job on his ship whenever needed.
A memorable compliment from captain to second mate at voyage's end.
“That was the school I was trained in.”
Captain B—— refers to the copper-ore trade as his formative training ground.
Reflects pride in the demanding Cape Horn trade.