The Survivors of the Chancellor · Chapter
V explained
On the tenth day since leaving Charleston, the narrator notes the ship's unusual eastward course toward the Bermudas instead of the typical Gulf Stream route.
What happens
On the tenth day since leaving Charleston, the narrator notes the ship's unusual eastward course toward the Bermudas instead of the typical Gulf Stream route. Mate Robert Curtis expresses quiet concern about Captain Huntly's decisions. The passengers observe the distant islands, with André Letourneur sharing poetic references while Curtis warns of the dangerous reefs and storms. Miss Herbey briefly attempts to join them but is called back by Mrs. Kear.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Authority
Curtis's deference to Captain Huntly despite his misgivings highlights the tension between duty and judgment in command.
Nature and the Sublime
The description of the Bermudas' reefs, storms, and madrepores emphasizes nature's power and peril.
Characters to notice
- Robert Curtis
The mate confides in the narrator about the unusual route and hints at unease with Captain Huntly's command.
- André Letourneur
Engages in a literary discussion about the Bermudas, quoting Moore and Waller, and contrasts with Curtis's sailor perspective.
- M. Letourneur
Present on deck with his son and the narrator, observing the islands.
- Miss Herbey
Attempts to join the group on deck but is immediately recalled by Mrs. Kear.
- Mrs. Kear
From her cabin, she calls Miss Herbey back for a trivial service, preventing her from enjoying the view.
- Silas Huntly
Mentioned as the captain who ordered the unusual eastward course despite Curtis's concerns.
Key passages
“Robert Curtis, the mate, with whom I continue to have many a friendly chat, informed me that we could not be far off Cape Hatteras in the Bermudas; the ship’s bearings, he said were lat. 32° 20′ N. and long. 64° 50′ W. , so that he had every reason to believe that we should sight St. George’s Island before night.”
The mate Curtis tells the narrator the ship is near the Bermudas and expects to see St. George's Island by evening.
Establishes the ship's unexpected location and Curtis's role as an informant.
“Curtis acknowledged that he had already pointed out what an unusual route they were taking, but that the captain had said that he was quite aware what he was about.”
Curtis admits he warned the captain about the odd course, but the captain dismissed his concerns.
Reveals the growing tension between Curtis and Captain Huntly over navigation.
“The hidden reefs that lie in a semicircle about two or three leagues from shore make the attempt to land a very dangerous piece of business.”
Curtis warns that the reefs surrounding the Bermudas make landing extremely hazardous.
Highlights the perilous nature of the islands from a sailor's perspective.