# Book III: The Struggle explained — Toilers of the Sea

> Chapter companion for Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Gilliatt undertakes the perilous salvage of the Durande's machinery from the Douvres reef, battling the elements, a tempest, and a giant devilfish. He discovers Clubin's skeleton and ultimately returns to Guernsey with the machinery, only to witness Déruchette's marriage and drown himself in the rising tide.

## Themes in this chapter

### Man vs. Nature

Gilliatt's struggle against the tempest, the sea, and the devilfish epitomizes humanity's battle with the natural world.

### Heroism and Perseverance

Gilliatt's relentless effort to salvage the machinery despite overwhelming odds showcases heroic endurance.

## Character check-ins

### Gilliatt

Protagonist who single-handedly salvages the Durande's machinery, fights a devilfish, and ultimately drowns after seeing Déruchette married.

### Captain Clubin

His skeleton is discovered by Gilliatt on the Douvres reef, revealing his fate after wrecking the Durande.

### Déruchette

Gilliatt sees her marriage to another man upon his return, leading to his tragic end.

## Key lines

> Gilliatt battles the equinoctial tempest

Gilliatt fights a violent storm that occurs around the equinox.

_Highlights the extreme weather conditions Gilliatt endures._

> Gilliatt fights the devilfish (Pieuvre)

Gilliatt engages in a deadly struggle with a giant octopus.

_A key episode showcasing his physical and mental fortitude._

> Gilliatt discovers Clubin's skeleton

Gilliatt finds the skeletal remains of Captain Clubin on the reef.

_Reveals Clubin's death and the consequences of his deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-the-struggle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters