# Chapter XVII explained — The Sea-Wolf

> Chapter companion for The Sea-Wolf by Jack London.

## What happens

Humphrey recounts the terrifying storm that strikes the Ghost, during which he struggles to follow Wolf Larsen's orders to back the jib. The crew battles the elements, loses several boats and men, and manages to reef the sails. Wolf Larsen's fierce joy in the struggle is contrasted with the crew's exhaustion and fear.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The crew's struggle to survive the storm, reef sails, and recover boats highlights the theme of survival against nature's fury.

### Individualism and Power

Wolf Larsen's defiant joy and command over the ship and crew during the storm exemplify his individual will and power.

### Nature and the Sublime

The storm's overwhelming power and the eerie calm before it evoke the sublime and terrifying aspects of nature.

## Character check-ins

### Humphrey Van Weyden

Narrates the storm, struggles to back the jib, is swept overboard and saved by Johnson, works in agony to reef sails.

### Wolf Larsen

Commands the ship through the storm with fierce joy, demonstrates seamanship and defiance, laughs at the storm.

### Thomas Mugridge

Found groaning under the forecastle head, later dragged out from hiding after the galley is destroyed.

### Johnson

Saves Humphrey from drowning and helps with the jib.

### Oofty-Oofty

In the boat during the storm, later helps with the jib and spots the overturned boat.

### Kerfoot

In the bow of the boat during the storm, protests Wolf Larsen's reckless attempt to recover a boat.

## Key lines

> I must get the jib backed over to windward. I had no fear of death. I had no doubt but that I should come through somehow.

Humphrey is determined to follow Wolf Larsen's order to back the jib, feeling no fear of death and confident he will survive.

_Shows Humphrey's growing resolve and adaptation to the harsh life at sea._

> He was daring destiny, and he was unafraid.

Wolf Larsen confronts the storm with boldness and without fear.

_Highlights Wolf Larsen's fearless and defiant character._

> By God, I'll not be robbed of my boat by any storm that ever blew out of hell!

Wolf Larsen refuses to lose his boat to the storm, no matter how fierce.

_Demonstrates Wolf Larsen's stubbornness and refusal to yield to nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sea_wolf_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sea_wolf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sea_wolf_se/chapters