The Secret Sharer: A Romance

In class, we talked about a number of roles that Leggatt could have in The Secret Sharer. By the end of the story, Leggatt's role is still inconclusive. He can be seen as a disembodied character or a character with a physical presence. I believe that he has a very important physical presence in the story. More specifically, I think that he adds romance. As I read, I could not help but picture the Captain and Leggatt to have a close relationship, similar to a typical romance in other novels or movies. The story starts off with the Captain on his ship, where he feels out of place and alone. Once Leggatt climbs aboard the ship, the Captain's attitude changes. He does not seem to feel as isolated and he is more confident. The Captain refers to Leggatt as his "double" throughout the story, and the fact that the Captain now finds someone with similar qualities to his own and has someone to talk to make it seem like a romance. The way the two communicate can also be seen as romantic. They tend to whisper to each other in a fairly close space. The romantic actions continue at the end of the story when we see how the Captain truly cares for Leggatt. The Captain is willing to get dangerously close to shore in order for Leggatt to reach the island safely. This caring act further displays the powerful bond between the Captain and Leggatt. Is there anything else from the story that displays the romance between these two characters? Is there another role that you find more prominent for Leggatt?

Comments

[Catie H.]

While reading The Secret Sharer, I definitely did not see the romance aspect of Leggatt. When it came up as one of the suggestions for Leggatt's role, I was completely caught off guard. After reading your post though I actually see how Leggatt adds romance to the story. Their relationship and closeness do seem to resemble a romance. The only part that confuses me though is the fact that he often refers to Leggatt as his "double." If he really sees Leggatt as his double, wouldn't that mean that he is in love with himself?

[Franny B.]

I agree that Leggatt seems to play the part of a romantic interest to the Captain and it adds and very interesting critic that Conrad is making of his society. However, I think first and foremost that Leggatt is a man, a human being, separate from the Captain. He plays multiple roles one being a reflection or addition to the Captain and another being a romantic character. The main thing that Leggatt plays is a human separate from the Captain with his own background and life story. I understand all that Leggatt contributes to the story however I think that by limiting Leggatt to only these roles he cannot completely develop as a character.

[Hannah M.]

I do agree with you regarding the importance of Leggatt in the captain's life. I disagree with the romantic aspect of their relationship. While in class we found many examples of a potential romance, I find that Leggatt's purpose was to lead and guide. I believe the captain is in love with his "new" self that Leggatt offers, however, nothing more than that.

[Zack W.]

Mike you made a great point. I believe that Leggat and the Captain definitely have a romantic relationship. When the Captain first sees him, he describes him as some time of white glowing man. Leggatt is also completely naked at this time therefore it could be possbile that the Captain was checking him out. After that he had a close relationship and seemed to do anything for Leggatt. Not alot of people would sleep with or next to a murderer.

[Jessica M.]

I think that the relationship between Leggatt and the captain was definitely of a romantic nature. The captain seemed incredibly dependent on Leggatt, as if he needed him to function. But also there was so much talk about skin, and being close, and Leggatt's physical person. It was seemingly far more intimate than any platonic relationship would have played out.