Introduction
The short story by Joseph Conrad called The Secret Sharer focuses on the theme of initiation and self-definition. Many of the Conrad’s works were created based on a period of decisive historical and literary changes (Thompson 278). Moreover, the writer directly contributed to them: it is vital to highlight Conrad’s contribution to changes in the very essence of the literary hero. The writer presents the different from those that existed in the previous century, approach to the plot construction of a literary work, where the inner world dominates the outer. Conrad uses the marine atmosphere to convey more deep psychological sufferings of the main character. The author implements different plot elements to emphasize the problem of the self-definition of the young captain. The author uses the formal elements of narration, such as plot, and characterization, including such stylistic devices as symbolism and extended metaphor to express the problem of the narrator’s self-identification problem.
Plot
Two distinct features of the plot should be highlighted in Conrad’s story. The first one is the absolute topographical realism and accuracy of details in the reproduction of the place of events. The second one is the deliberate emphasis on the duality of the characters and their implicit connection. By implementing these two elements of the plot, the author shows that the surrounding atmosphere and the inner emotions of the main character are interrelated. On the one hand, accurate geographical landmarks are given, such as the Gulf of Thailand and the mouth of the Manyame River (Conrad 10). On the other hand, the perception of these places is shown through the prism of the young Capitan’s mental sufferings. For example, the sea seems to the narrator not only calm but also motionless, and the strip of light from the setting sun appears devoid of “those living reflections that are with barely noticeable ripples” (Conrad 12). The character compares his identity with this motionless sea, which seems lost and has no place in this world. Through implementing the comparison of the character’s emotions with the surrounding world, Conrad highlights his sufferings and unstable personality.
The ship seems absolutely lonely in the sea, frozen in the rays of the setting sun, surrounded by bizarre, disappearing into the darkness of the southern night. Capitan can be described in the same way as being alone and isolated during his self-appointed watch. All life seems to have focuse on the ship due to his first skipper initiation. For him, his whole life at this moment is a “breathless pause” (Thompson 288). The outcome of the story shows the importance of the plot events. Capitan managed to prove his competence to himself thanks to the delusional image of Leggatt’s hat. Considering this idea in the broader context of the whole story, it becomes evident that Capitan himself was the critical element in overcoming the psychological challenges. Therefore, Conrad uses the power of nature to exacerbate the entire plot situation and the main subject of his narratives – the inner drama of the character.
Characterization
In the scope of narration, Conrad stresses the duality of the two characters: Capitan and Leggatt. The narrator says that lonely a swimmer who accidentally boarded a ship under the captain’s command, followed him “like a double” (Conrad 6). The narrator reveals something more profound than just an outward resemblance, a connection-closeness of two young people, by saying, “it seemed that I was standing in front of my own reflection in the depths of a gloomy immense mirror” (Conrad 8). The “gloomy immense mirror” for the Capitan symbolizes his future life as a skipper, full of unknowns and moral contradictions.
The author highlights that the Capitan realizes his painful duality and should somehow solve his inner conflict. Conrad resorts to the parallelism of the climaxes in the stories of Leggatt and the narrator (DiSanto 15). In the case of Leggatt, this is a storm that threatened the ship’s death, and the cowardly behavior of Captain Archbold, which became the main reason for the disobedience of the sailor Leggatt killed. The final acts of both main characters require courage and inner integrity. In other words, the problems and fears they overcame together allowed the characters to strive for a better future. In the case of Leggatt – physically, while in Capitan’s – primarily through overcoming moral self-identification challenges.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Despite the simple style of narration and language choice, Conrad implements various stylistic devices to make the story more vivid. Different symbolic elements highlight the connection between characters emphasizing the inner duality of the narrator. For example, the impressionism color symbolism can be seen in the story. The black scorpion in the inkwell and the deep black hair of the Leggatt highlight the connection between the imperfections of human beings and the sinful nature of the soul (Thompson 280). This is the central dilemma of the Capitan: he cannot accept his own weaknesses and move forward. The black color is associated with the evil, mistakes, and sins which the young narrator strives to avoid.
Other symbolic elements are the endless dark sea representing the Capitan’s mind and the naked body of the Leggatt, conveying the meaning of the narrator’s true identity. The Capitan ultimately believes in the innocence of the Leggat, seeing in man the reflection of himself. This lost sailor is the representation of the Capitan’s weaknesses as a commander, which he tried to reject. However, by accepting Leggatt and helping him to find a better life, the narrator reveals his own identity. The Capitan’s realization of his abilities and position is shown through the symbolism. The author implements a literary device called the extended metaphor by showing the relationships between the Capitan and Leggatt. As mentioned earlier, the duality of their connection is realized through the plot inquiry and characterization.
Conclusion
As a result of the formalist critique of Conrad’s story, it can be stated that the formal elements of the narration were used to show the main character’s inner conflict. The main idea the author strives to convey is that to accept people’s identities, they need to overcome various challenges. In other words, the moving power of progress is a mental problem. The author masterfully uses symbolism, metaphors, plot construction, and characterization to reflect the Capitan’s emotions. By doing so, Conrad unites the reader with the character by addressing the implicit theme of solving the self-identification issue. The author dramatizes the literary narration by implementing the psychological and analytical questions, turning the whole story into an absolute thriller of finding one’s genuine identity. The literary elements help Conrad to convey the idea of inner conflict and constant struggle with human imperfections.
Works Cited
Conrad, Joseph. The Secret Sharer. Harper’s Magazine, 1919.
DiSanto, John. “Rethinking Joseph Conrad’s Concepts of Community: Strange Fraternity.” Annapolis, vol. 43, no. 2, 2018, pp. 14-16.
Thompson, Erik. “The True Self as Social Solidarity in Conrad’s The Secret Sharer and The Shadow-Line.” Conradiana, vol. 50, no. 3, 2018, pp. 277-298.