# III explained — The Shadow Line

> Chapter companion for The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

The narrator, now captain of the Melita, describes the oppressive calm after anchoring outside the bar. He observes the crew's languor, notes Ransome's careful movements due to his heart condition, and listens to Mr. Burns' delirious ramblings about the late captain. The chapter delves into the late captain's peculiar behavior, including his violin playing and a mysterious photograph with a woman in Haiphong. The doctor advises against moving the ill Mr. Burns, but the narrator insists on taking him to sea. The chapter ends with the ship anchored, waiting for a breeze.

## Themes in this chapter

### Command and Responsibility

The narrator grapples with the burden of command, making difficult decisions about Mr. Burns' health and the ship's departure.

### Isolation and Self-Reliance

The narrator feels the oppressive loneliness of command, especially during the dead calm and while dealing with Mr. Burns' delirium.

### Superstition and the Supernatural

Mr. Burns' delirious belief that the late captain is ambushed under the sea with evil intentions introduces a supernatural element.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The newly appointed captain of the Melita, feeling the weight of command and the oppressive calm.

### Mr. Burns

The chief mate, severely ill and delirious, rambling about the late captain's ghostly presence.

### Ransome

The steward, moving with restrained grace due to his heart condition, flitting between galley and cabin.

### The Doctor

Advises the narrator against moving Mr. Burns but ultimately assists in bringing him aboard.

### Kent

Mentioned as the second officer, a callow youth with an unpromising face.

## Key lines

> My command might have been a planet flying vertiginously on its appointed path in a space of infinite silence.

The narrator feels his ship is isolated and moving through an endless, silent void.

_Highlights the narrator's sense of isolation and the surreal stillness of the calm._

> The man was so wasted that, in this white cabin, under a white sheet, and with his diminished head sunk in the white pillow, his red moustaches captured their eyes exclusively, like something artificial—a pair of moustaches from a shop exhibited there in the harsh light of the bulkhead-lamp without a shade.

Mr. Burns is so emaciated that his red moustaches stand out unnaturally against the white surroundings.

_Emphasizes Mr. Burns' severe illness and the surreal, almost grotesque image of his appearance._

> The sea—which was pure, safe, and friendly.

The narrator sees the sea as a refuge from his troubles.

_Reflects the narrator's longing for the sea as a solution to his problems._

## Links

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