# III explained — The Mirror of the Sea

> Chapter companion for The Mirror of the Sea by Joseph Conrad.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mirror_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mirror_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mirror_of_the_sea_se/chapters