The Mirror of the Sea · Chapter
V explained
The chapter explores the seaman's deep connection with anchors, both as practical tools and symbols of hope.
What happens
The chapter explores the seaman's deep connection with anchors, both as practical tools and symbols of hope. It details the routine of handling anchors at the start and end of voyages, the chief mate's special responsibility for them, and the character of Mr. B⸺, a chief mate whose excessive sense of insecurity and devotion to the ship create a tense but respectful bond with the narrator.
Themes in this chapter
Routine and Monotony
The chapter details the repetitive but essential tasks of handling anchors, from securing them inboard to getting them over before landfall, highlighting the seaman's daily routine.
The Sea as Mirror
The anchor is described as an 'emblem of hope,' and the sense of security or insecurity aboard ship reflects the inner qualities of the men, particularly Mr. B⸺'s anxious nature.
Fidelity and Love of Ships
The bond between the narrator and Mr. B⸺ is centered on their shared love for the barque, with Mr. B⸺ showing a devoted, almost handmaiden-like pride in the ship.
Characters to notice
- Mr. B⸺
The chief mate, described as having a red moustache, lean red face, and uneasy eye. He is extremely watchful and insecure about the ship's safety under the narrator's command, yet deeply devoted to the barque.
- Captain MacW⸺
Mentioned as 'the old man' of another ship, who never interferes and is satisfied with seamanlike conduct.
Key passages
“The anchor is an emblem of hope, but a foul anchor is worse than the most fallacious of false hopes that ever lured men or nations into a sense of security.”
While the anchor symbolizes hope, a tangled anchor is more dangerous than any deceptive hope that leads people into false security.
Highlights the theme that false security can lead to disaster, using the anchor as a metaphor.
“He was worth all his salt. On examining now, after many years, the residue of the feeling which was the outcome of the contact of our personalities, I discover, without much surprise, a certain flavour of dislike.”
He was a competent seaman, but looking back, I realize there was an undercurrent of dislike in our relationship.
Reveals the complex, ambivalent relationship between the narrator and Mr. B⸺.