I am finding this book very moving, especially pages 14 – 15. My impression of this chapter is that of lost time. “The sun goes up and goes back down.” They don’t know if they are really going to make it or even if they will be welcomed when they arrive, but somehow they must try.
To pass the time they tell stories to each other just like children who have to stay indoors because they are sick or it is brutally cold outside. They do whatever it takes to occupy their minds and pass the time. Out of nowhere one person will say “Kirk?” and another will say “Krak! I have something to tell you.” Then that person begins to tell a story.
Unfortunately, no one is listening anymore. They have been below deck for so long that they almost can’t hear each other anymore. They say anything that comes to mind whether it makes sense or not. Any real information comes from the Captain or a small transistor radio they have. This information becomes pertinent to them because it sets the mood for the rest of the day and informs them of what is happening in the world.
In this section of the book, the news comes from the Bahama news station. As they listen attentively, their fears are being confirmed when a woman says, “They treat us like dogs.” The feeling ripples through the ship like hatred running through their body and consuming them. They all try to go back to whatever it was they were doing before the interruption.
When they go back to whatever it was they were doing, they realize that they are going back to staring at each other. They are just waiting for someone or something to change the rhythm or senseless pattern they have fallen into. These moments of true reflection take place when “nature calls.” Not only are you embarrassed relieving yourself in the presence of the others, but you realize how vulnerable you really are here. Nobody cares any less nor any more about each other or themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment