Student Question
In Heart of Darkness, what does the director say and what is its meaning?
Quick answer:
The Director's remark about "missing the ebb" refers to the tide going out, indicating that the crew on the Nellie has missed the opportunity to sail that day. This situation reflects the theme of being trapped or stalled, as the men are engrossed in Marlow's story or asleep, leading them to ignore the tide and time. The novel ends in darkness, symbolizing the persistent theme of obscurity and uncertainty.
The Director's remark about "missing the ebb" refers to the tide going out. The Nellie is at anchor as the men waiting for the tide to go out so that they can sail. Having missed the "first of the ebb," their "offing is barred"; they aren't sailing that day.
Because everyone is either engrossed in Marlow's story or falls asleep, a possibility offered by the narrator, the men have ignored the tide and the time. Darkness has fallen, so the novel ends as it began--with darkness.
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