Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Sharer” Essay

Introduction

Secret Sharer a story that begins with the mention of a relationship-that of the land and the sea. The environment is used to exemplify some of the character aspects of the main character; the Captain. The serenity of the area is contrasted with the apprehension expressed by the surroundings; both aspects depicted by the Captain’s demeanor and thoughts. Not only was he a “stranger to himself” but also to the ship.

Main body

The “Secret Sharer” becomes a story in which the reader experiences a ripeness process of the characters-who overcome obstacles for the sake of serving “good”. The initial lack of poise and a sense of inadequacy is reflected by the Captain’s actions; when he volunteers to stand guard a task normally not done by Captains.

The surroundings reflect this uncertainty and dichotomy of state is witnessed by the reader in the “insignificant clumps of trees stand”. Another significant symbol that the reader identifies is that of the scorpion; it represents the presence of danger in the story as does Leggatt who brings a more menacing feel to the narrative.

If one was to examine more closely and read between the lines; Leggatt in some ways represents that side of the Captain which is still unsure and the unrevealed aspect of the Captain’s character. The Captain senses his own initial struggle in Leggatt and for him this Captaincy is no sense than a boon. Throughout the story Leggatt is described as the Captain’s double; highlighting a shadier side of the Captain.

The reader witnesses the struggle of the Captain within himself; whether it be giving refuge to a fugitive or struggling to assert authority over the shipmates. The added edge of deception proves that the presence of Leggatt is resulting in the more” darker” side of the Captain to become more prominent. Hence, the sense of fear of discovery gives a feeling of some evil lurking in the background. In the second part of the novel, when Captain Archbold makes his presence felt, the Captain shows a rare side of “playfulness’ when he pretends to be deaf. Captain Archbold comes across as the villainous presence that can play a role in ruining the carefully laid but scheme of the Captain’s. He paints Leggatt in a negative manner not allowing the reader to judge fro themselves if Leggatt is actually at fault.

Leggatt‘s pattern of semi-level-headedness mirrors the uncertain state of the Captain. However, Leggatt is clearly not described as the absurd or insane in any way. In fact, the narrator is quick to point out that:

“…there was no agitation in his whisper”. (Conrad” Secret Sharer”)

The negative personality depicted of the Captain depicted by Leggatt meant that only with Leggatt leaving the ship could the Captain finally take complete charge of himself and of the ship. This did happen later on the story when Legggat was finally left on the shore-depicted by the Captain leaving the cap behind. By having provided refuge to Leggatt and by overcoming the inner struggle, the Captain was able to finally overcome all the anxiety and inadequacy. Even, the attempt to bring the ship as close as possible to the shore represent an attempt on behalf of the Captain to be as close as “good” as possible.

Conclusion

The parting between the Captain and Leggatt represents a feeling of finality and achievement for the Captain as he is able to finally stand in command of the ship as he ought to. By having taken Leggatt as a fugitive, the Captain has managed to overcome all the inner weaknesses and the namelessness in the novel has allowed the reader to apply this scenario to all such scenarios, irrespective of time and place.

Works Cited

Conrad, J. “Secret Sharer”.