The Nigger of the "narcissus": A Tale of the Forecastle
A novel written in the late 19th century. The book examines themes of race and social dynamics aboard a British merchant ship, focusing on the character of James Wait, a black sailor whose presence evokes mixed emotions among his predominantly white shipmates. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the psychological landscape of the crew, reflecting on issues of humanity, identity, and isolation. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the ship Narcissus, where the crew is preparing for departure amidst the bustling activity of new arrivals. The opening scene establishes a collective atmosphere filled with camaraderie and tension as James Wait, a new crew member, arrives late to muster. His entrance generates curiosity and apprehension among the existing sailors, as they navigate prejudices and social hierarchies on board. Throughout this introduction, the color of Wait's skin and his illness becomes a focal point of scrutiny and disdain, setting the stage for the ensuing clashes and interactions in the cramped quarters of the forecastle. As events unfold, the crew’s perceptions of Wait's character evolve against the backdrop of their shared hardships at sea, laying the groundwork for a poignant exploration of human relationships in confinement.
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“But the artist appeals to that part of our being which is not dependent on wisdom; to that in us which is a gift and not an acquisition”
— Joseph Conrad
“The man who can't do most things and won't do the rest””
— Joseph Conrad
“He seemed to hasten the retreat of departing light by his very presence; the setting sun dipped sharply, as though fleeing before our nigger; a black mist emanated from him; a subtle and dismal influence; a something cold and gloomy that floated out and settled on all the faces like a mourning veil. The circle broke up. The joy of laughter died on stiffened lips.””
— Joseph Conrad
“the artist descends within himself, and in that lonely region of stress and strife, if he be deserving and fortunate, he finds the terms of his appeal. His appeal is made to our less obvious capacities: to that part of our nature which, because of the warlike conditions of existence, is necessarily kept out of sight within the more resisting and hard qualities … His appeal is less loud, more profound, less distinct, more stirring”
— Joseph Conrad
“But sometimes, by the deserving and the fortunate, even that task is accomplished. And when it is accomplished”
— Joseph Conrad
“To snatch in a moment of courage, from the remorseless rush of time, a passing phase of life, is only the beginning of the task. The task approached in tenderness and faith is to hold up unquestioningly, without choice and without fear, the rescued fragment before all eyes in the light of a sincere mood. It is to show its vibration, its color, its form; and through its movement, its form, and its color, reveal the substance of its truth”
— Joseph Conrad
“A work that aspires, however humbly, to the condition of art should carry its justification in every line.””
— Joseph Conrad
“Over the white rims of berths stuck out heads with blinking eyes; but the bodies were lost in the gloom of those places, that resembled narrow niches for coffins in a whitewashed and lighted mortuary.””
— Joseph Conrad
“the artist appeals to that part of our being which is not dependent on wisdom; to that in us which is a gift and not an acquisition”
— Joseph Conrad
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Conrad, Joseph. The Nigger of the "narcissus": A Tale of the Forecastle. Lex, lex-books.com/book/the-nigger-of-the-narcissus-a-tale-of-the-forecastle-3b678c6b-bc60-4173-abee-b44ae7653b5c.Conrad, J. (n.d.). The Nigger of the "narcissus": A Tale of the Forecastle. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-nigger-of-the-narcissus-a-tale-of-the-forecastle-3b678c6b-bc60-4173-abee-b44ae7653b5cConrad, Joseph. The Nigger of the "narcissus": A Tale of the Forecastle. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-nigger-of-the-narcissus-a-tale-of-the-forecastle-3b678c6b-bc60-4173-abee-b44ae7653b5c.
