The nigger of the "Narcissus" : A tale of the forecastle

Set aboard the British merchant ship Narcissus in the late 19th century, the novel explores the psychological and social dynamics of sailors at sea. The arrival of James Wait, a black sailor claiming illness, stirs suspicion and racial tension among the predominantly white crew. Early prejudices surrounding his race and health dominate interactions, but shared hardships during storms begin to reshape perceptions. Confined within the ship, the men confront moral questions about responsibility, empathy, and truth. Conrad crafts a powerful meditation on solidarity and human nature within the isolating vastness of the sea.