The Caine Mutiny: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Caine Mutiny: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics among the crew of the USS Caine during World War II, focusing on key figures whose interactions drive the narrative forward. Lieutenant Commander Philip Francis Queeg serves as the troubled captain, depicted as neurotic and incompetent, whose inability to lead raises serious concerns for his crew's safety. In contrast, Lieutenant Stephen Maryk, the executive officer, embodies reliability and courage, ultimately making the difficult decision to relieve Queeg of command during a crisis. Lieutenant Thomas Keefer, an aspiring novelist, manipulates the situation while maintaining a disdain for military hierarchy, positioning himself as a pivotal figure in the mutiny. Ensign Willis Seward Keith, initially inexperienced, grows into a competent officer amidst the turmoil, while Lieutenant Barney Greenwald, a fighter pilot turned lawyer, plays a crucial role in defending the mutineers during their court-martial. The narrative also includes May Wynn, a nightclub singer, who adds a romantic element but does not directly influence the military events. This examination of characters highlights themes of authority, loyalty, and moral courage in the face of distressing circumstances.
The Caine Mutiny: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Herman Wouk
First published: 1951
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York City, San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: 1943–1945
Lieutenant Commander Philip Francis Queeg, the captain of the USS Caine. A neurotic officer of mediocre ability, he is not typical of his fellow Naval Academy graduates. He comes to the Caine from a somewhat murky background and seems determined, at least initially, to correct whatever happened in the past to make him a below-average officer. Within a few weeks, however, he shows himself to be an incompetent martinet incapable of seeing the big picture. As a result, he evokes in his officers and men reactions ranging from pity to rage and, finally, sincere concern for the safety of the ship. This concern leads to him being relieved during a typhoon and to subsequent disgrace.
Lieutenant Stephen Maryk, an executive officer of the USS Caine during the mutiny. A naval reservist, he is an officer of excellent potential, typical of the young men brought into service early in World War II. Solid and dependable, Maryk is torn between the requirement of loyalty to a skipper, even one who seems mentally ill, and what he perceives is best for the ship. When his sea sense tells him that the Caine is doomed during a terrible storm, he relieves Captain Queeg of command and saves the ship. Indicted for mutiny, he is acquitted in a dramatic trial but, as is sometimes the way in the service, his career is ruined.
Lieutenant Thomas Keefer, an aspiring novelist and the communications officer of the USS Caine. Self-satisfied, witty, and urbane, Keefer is the first to suggest that Captain Queeg may be paranoid. Keefer is a petty intellectual who looks down on all career military men and relishes any opportunity to embarrass them. More than any officer in the Caine's wardroom, he is responsible for the mutiny. Ironically, Keefer becomes commanding officer of the Caine after the court-martial and, ultimately, proves that he is a physical as well as a moral coward.
Ensign Willis Seward Keith, a Princeton graduate and volunteer officer. As a young man, he has rarely been challenged, but there is in his character a core of hardness that emerges under the adversity of combat and a neurotic skipper. He initially falls under the spell of Thomas Keefer, but through hard work and natural ability, he overcomes the mistakes of inexperience and develops into a competent officer. He eventually becomes a party to mutiny, a hero, and the final commanding officer of the USS Caine.
Lieutenant Barney Greenwald, a fighter pilot and lawyer. Greenwald, a brilliant attorney in civilian life, plays a small but pivotal role as defense counsel for the mutineers at their court-martial. He quickly realizes that Keefer is the real culprit in the affair and wants to expose him but is reluctant to use him as a witness. Instead, he destroys Queeg, a task he performs with no enjoyment. His flair and skill during the court-martial result in Maryk's acquittal.
May Wynn, a nightclub entertainer. An uneducated but bright young woman, May provides the romantic interest in a story primarily about men at war. Her alternately hot and cold relationship with Keith is woven skillfully into the novel, but she has no impact on the events of the mutiny or on Keith's service thereafter.