Chapter Notes on 'Tomorrow' by Joseph Conrad

Overview of Joseph Conrad

• Born of Polish parents in the Russian Ukraine, 1857-1924.
• Began a seafaring life in 1874; learned English at 21.
• Became a British citizen in 1886.
• Notable works include:
  • The Nigger of the Narcissus (1898)
  • Lord Jim (1900)
  • Nostromo (1904)
• Known for evoking atmosphere through detail and using story within a story.

Characters

Captain Hagberd

• A seaman who preferred the land over the sea.
• Described as having a profound dislike for the sea, despite being a sailor.
• Lives in a cottage in Colebrook, where he waits for his son Harry's return.
• His madness revolves around the belief that his son will come back 'tomorrow'.

Bessie Carvil

• A young woman who interacts with Captain Hagberd.
• Shows signs of compassion towards Hagberd's madness.
• Torn between her feelings for Harry and the reality of Hagberd's delusions.

Themes

• Madness and Hope: Captain Hagberd's belief in his son's return symbolizes a deeper madness intertwined with hope.
• Isolation: Characters experience a sense of isolation, both physically and emotionally.
• Reality vs. Illusion: The struggle between what is real and what is imagined is central to the narrative.

Important Quotes

• “Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.”
• “With his maritime rig, his weather-beaten face, his beard of Father Neptune, he resembled a deposed sea-god who had exchanged the trident for the spade.” (Allusion to Neptune)

Discussion Points

1. Analyze the technique used by Conrad to unfold Captain Hagberd's past.
2. Identify instances of insanity in characters other than Hagberd and their implications.
3. Discuss Bessie's role in supporting Hagberd's delusions and her own emotional turmoil.

Language Work

Figures of Speech

• Allusion: A casual or indirect reference to a famous historical or literary event or figure.
  • Example: Comparison of Hagberd to Neptune.

Pronunciation

• Words change stress patterns based on grammatical function:
  • Verb: 'inform
  • Noun: information
  • Verb: 'hesitate
  • Noun: hesita'tion

Stop and Think Questions

1. What does Bessie tell Harry about his father's plans for him?
2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry's homecoming?
3. Why does Harry's return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?