Thematic Value. Society is not arraigned: a case is posed. Has it propaganda value?
MAKING PORT
Comment. A capital example of a short-story built on two lines of interest neatly joined. One line arises from the desire of Old Tom to reach Liverpool; it illustrates a passive struggle between wishing and waiting on the one hand, and fate or chance on the other. The second line arises from the situation of Spike’s being in prison, a situation motivated or brought about by the physical struggle between Spike and the bo’sun, and is marked by Spike’s attempt to escape. The two lines are connected by the fact that Tom has a queer animosity for Spike, and that he is made the guardian of Spike. Old Tom’s relation to his wife offers a parallel to the relation between Spike and the mission girl. Old Tom is unsuccessful, ironically so; Spike escapes.
Is the motivation for Tom’s surrendering the keys of Spike’s prison strong enough? What is it?
Plot.
Initial Incident: Spike kills the bo’sun.
Steps to Dramatic Climax: Spike is chained in the locker. Tom is given the key. Tom is tempted to give up the key. He refuses, hearing that the ship will go on to Liverpool, knowing moreover that if he betrays his duty his chance will be lost. After four months the ship comes to anchor. Meantime Spike has filed his chains. The girl comes on board. She beseeches Old Tom to let him go.
Dramatic Climax: “Take him.”
Steps to Climax of Action: The escape in the mission boat to the tramp steamer. Spike gets aboard.
Dénouement: Tom must remain here. Irony in the understanding that the tramp is bound for Liverpool.