# XXIII explained — The Mirror of the Sea

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

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the unique character of gales at sea, describing how each storm leaves a distinct emotional imprint. He recounts a memorable three-day gale in a small barque near Kerguelen Land, and another sudden, violent storm where Captain Jones stood silent and motionless. The chapter also contrasts attitudes toward ship size, with a big-ship captain dismissing a small brigantine, while the narrator celebrates the nimble seaworthiness of small craft.

## Themes in this chapter

### Man vs. Nature

The chapter vividly depicts the struggle of ships and crews against the fury of gales, emphasizing the sea's power and the sailor's endurance.

### Art of Seamanship

Detailed descriptions of handling a barque under reduced sail and the skill required to navigate heavy weather highlight the craft of sailing.

### The Sea as Mirror

Gales are personified with distinct 'physiognomies,' reflecting the narrator's emotional and psychological responses to the sea.

## Character check-ins

### Captain MacW⸺

Implied as the 'good MacW⸺' from earlier chapters; the narrator's captain during the gale near Kerguelen Land.

### Mr. B⸺

The mate who delighted in calling the gale 'a famous shove.'

### Captain S⸺

The commander of a fine iron ship of the old wool fleet who nodded at the pretty brigantine and muttered about its small size.

## Key lines

> lower topsails and a reefed foresail the barque seemed to race with a long, steady sea that did not becalm her in the troughs.

With only the lower topsails and a reefed foresail set, the barque appeared to sprint alongside a steady swell, never getting stuck in the wave hollows.

_Describes the ship's nimble performance during a gale._

> And this is one of those gales whose memory in after-years returns, welcome in dignified austerity, as you would remember with pleasure the noble features of a stranger with whom you crossed swords once in knightly encounter and are never to see again.

This is the kind of gale that later comes to mind with a sort of dignified welcome, like recalling a noble adversary you once fought honorably and never met again.

_Reflects on the lasting, almost romantic memory of a fierce storm._

> Fancy having to go about the sea in a thing like that!

Imagine having to sail the ocean in such a small vessel!

_The big-ship captain's dismissive remark about the pretty brigantine._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mirror_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xxiii
- 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