Typhoon: Analysis of Major Characters
"Typhoon: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the nuanced dynamics among the primary characters in a gripping maritime narrative set against the backdrop of a powerful typhoon. The protagonist, Captain Tom MacWhirr, is portrayed as dutiful and calculating, facing the central dilemma of whether to brave the storm or abandon his responsibilities while transporting two hundred Chinese coolies to Fu-Chau. The typhoon itself serves as a formidable antagonist, symbolizing the relentless forces of nature and the broader adversities humans encounter. Young Jukes, the chief mate, represents innocence and dependency on MacWhirr's leadership, learning to navigate the harsh realities of maritime life through cold pragmatism.
Solomon Rout, the chief engineer, is characterized by his mechanical competence and physical stature, embodying the operational spirit of the ship. In contrast, the second mate struggles with duty and self-doubt, particularly during the storm, highlighting the themes of vulnerability and failure. The boatswain, depicted as strong yet brutish, provides a raw strength that MacWhirr utilizes, while the steward’s intrusive curiosity reveals more about MacWhirr's private life and character. Lastly, the Chinese coolies, while treated as cargo, underscore themes of duty, responsibility, and the often-overlooked plight of marginalized groups. This analysis invites readers to reflect on the human condition in the face of overwhelming forces.
Typhoon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joseph Conrad
First published: 1902
Genre: Novella
Locale: the China Seas
Plot: Adventure
Time: The 1890's
Tom MacWhirr, the captain of the steamer Nan-Shan.Dutiful, calculating, mechanical, mature, and effectual, the main character of the story does his job correctly although he does so without any manifest confidence from the men serving under him. His job is to take two hundred Chinese coolies to their destination of Fu-Chau and to do so directly and without delay. The obstacle to this plan is the typhoon, presenting MacWhirr with the central dilemma of the novella as he must decide whether to proceed straight into the hurricane or run from it. This latter choice would be a relinquishment of duty, which he cannot accept. In confronting the typhoon and surviving it, MacWhirr somehow comes to terms with all of life's adverse universal forces.
The typhoon, a hurricane that Captain MacWhirr must confront. Violent, strong, forceful, and controlling, the typhoon represents not only the power of nature but also all the adverse conditions that humanity must face and struggle against. The typhoon does not succeed in destroying the Nan-Shan and the men on board; however, it does not surrender the battle to MacWhirr so much as it simply ceases to struggle.
Young Jukes, the chief mate. Innocent and inexperienced in the evils of life and the violence of nature, Jukes rightfully depends on Captain MacWhirr for guidance, and he exactingly follows the orders of his superior. The central sections and the major portions of the plot are told from Jukes's perspective, though he is not the narrator. In following Captain MacWhirr's cold and calculating orders, Jukes realizes that he must be functional and mechanical to survive.
Solomon (Sol) Rout, the chief engineer, the tallest man on each of the ships on which he has served. Old Sol's towering height accounts for his “habit of a stooping, leisurely condescension.” As engineer, Rout is perhaps the most mechanical of the men on board; his ability to follow MacWhirr's orders and to maintain a rather automaton-like existence helps ensure the preservation of the ship.
The second mate, a secretive loner who is “competent enough.” He has failed to master the subservience to duty, responsibility, and effectuality possessed by MacWhirr. He is an older, shabby fellow, one who is a ghost of what MacWhirr would become were he to fail. During the typhoon, the second mate loses his nerve and is unable to carry out his responsibilities.
The boatswain, the first in charge of the crewmen on deck. Once described as an “elderly ape” and in another place as a “gorilla,” the boatswain embodies raw strength, gruffness, and stupidity in human nature. Surprisingly, Captain MacWhirr likes the boatswain, presumably because he knows he controls him and can put his strength to good use.
The steward, a personal attendant to Captain MacWhirr. Unable to mind his own business, the steward reads Captain MacWhirr's personal mail to his family. Consequently, the reader is informed about the contents of these letters and MacWhirr's character is further revealed.
Two hundred Chinese coolies, who exist in the story literally as cargo; they are returning to China after working several years abroad. They represent the thoughtless, purposeless mass of humanity toward which MacWhirr feels his duty and responsibility as well as his contempt. Several of the coolies die as the typhoon proceeds.