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The Wreck of the Golden Mary (hosted by Petra) - 2nd Summer Read 2021
Golden Lucy by Harry Furniss:
The passage it represents:
The child was a most engaging child, to be sure, and very fond of me: though I am bound to admit that John Steadiman and I were borne on her pretty little books in reverse order, and that he was captain there, and I was mate. It was beautiful to watch her with John, and it was beautiful to watch John with her.
I like the joyfulness in this picture. Despite the hard work on board ship, there's always time for joy and happiness.
Wonderful illustration, Petra! Lucy was loved by the passengers and crew. It shows how John was more than a competent seaman. He was personable and had a soft spot for children.
I really enjoyed the sections I read. Like Diane, I don’t think I have the whole story. If someone had given me this story without knowing who had written it, I don’t think I would have guessed it was Charles Dickens. It was so different from his books. I am even more impressed by his versatility.
Connie wrote: "Wonderful illustration, Petra! Lucy was loved by the passengers and crew. It shows how John was more than a competent seaman. He was personable and had a soft spot for children."Connie, John's love for children is a large part of his personality. We first met him in a toy shop, buying a realistic ship for a boy he didn't know.
I had to both laugh at this scene (in the toyshop) and felt a bit leery about John's intentions.
On the one hand, he's a stickler for detail because he seemed perturbed that this unknown child would have a Noah's Ark versus having a toy that depicted an real life ship found in the harbour, which made me laugh.
On the other hand, he was taking such an interest in a child he didn't know. I wasn't sure whether we were to think of this scene as a bit creepy. I was glad to find out that John wasn't a perv but a loveable man who loves children.
Antoinette wrote: "I really enjoyed the sections I read. Like Diane, I don’t think I have the whole story. If someone had given me this story without knowing who had written it, I don’t think I would have guessed it ..."Antoinette, it's a shame that this story isn't printed in its entirety more often. I had a hard time finding the entire work. I can feel the disappointment of those who only read Captain Ravender's account thinking it was the entire story.
I really liked the contrast between the light imagery of the golden ship and golden child (who seem to have fused into one being) and then the darkness of the night they sail into. This sea story sucked me in quickly. Now, I'm so concerned for Captain Ravender, even though I know he survives to be at least 56 years old and write this story.
I had not imagined that the truncated story would have left out Steadiman's account or the rescue--I had thought it would only have left out the stories that were told by the crew and passengers as they were afloat. Really pleased you didn't leave off with what Hoopla gave you, Diane.The is a story that puts one full of imaginings. Imagining leaving on such a trip, the anticipation of the gold rush and fortune they thought they were going to, the difficulty of the trip and then the hitting of the ice berg. Of all the imaginings, however, the hardest for me is to imagine putting your three year old daughter's body into the sea after watching her slowly die. Wouldn't make any difference if your child were like Shirley Temple or Jane Withers, the heartache would be too much to bear (of course, our little Lucy is Shirley Temple).
As for bravery, Petra, I am also amazed at how people accepted the risks. Of course, their lives were full of risk sometimes, stay or go. In our time, only the early astronauts showed that kind of courage. They set off into a space that had no air to breathe and trusted man-made apparatuses that were untried. I could no more have done that than swim an ocean.
I will admit to having a huge admiration for men who went to sea. So many did not come back, and my fear of drowning would have kept me on dry land (as indeed it does now). Dickens' descriptions are chillingly realistic and I love the way he refers to Bligh, another story we all know and that calls up vivid images of sea rescue.
Bridget wrote: "I really liked the contrast between the light imagery of the golden ship and golden child (who seem to have fused into one being) and then the darkness of the night they sail into. This sea story sucked me in quickly. Now, I'm so concerned for Captain Ravender, even though I know he survives to be at least 56 years old and write this story...."
Nice point, Bridget, about the contrast. The darkness of the night they sailed into was oppressive, heavy and unworldly.
Which brings to mind a thought I had when first reading this. Dickens has inserted a number of ghostly, unworldly elements: Captain Ravender's dream, the incredibly dark nights, the Captain's hallucinations, for example.
Knowing that he would only be writing this section of the story, is it possible that Dickens was leaving a number of elements "out there" for the other authors to pick up on (or not) in their vision of the continuation of the story?
In the picture by Henry Furniss, for all the gaiety and joy in the foreground, there's a little lifeboat in the background foreshadowing the darkness to come.
Sara, astronauts are truly the modern equivalent to sailors of yesteryear. Going off into the unknown with so many dangers is mind boggling. I don't have that kind of bravery. This sort of adventure story is perfect for imaginings. They really stoke the sense exploration and danger within our minds. Also, the wonder of discovery and the beauty of the world.
Great point about the illustration, Petra. I had really missed that in concentrating on the foreground. I should know better by now!I agree that Dickens put several ideas out there that could be easily developed or discarded by the writers following him. We used to play a game like this when I was younger...one person started the story and then each person had to take it up in turn. I think it is amazing that Dickens and Collins could do this so effortlessly.
If I understand correctly, Wilkie Collins picks up the story when it says "All that follows, was written by John Steadiman, Chief Mate". Is that right? Because I loved the tidbit Wilkins picked up in his narration
Bridget, that's in the next section, I'm afraid. :DYes, John Steadiman's account was written by Wilkie Collins. We'll get to that section soon.
Sara, I miss so many details in the pictures but am learning from this group to look deeper. LOL. Yes, Dickens and Collins co-wrote this story seamlessly. I looked for differences in depth and storytelling but couldn't tell.
Mod
I like this idea very much :)
I did think of Dickens a few times while reading this first section, though they may be a stretch thematically. The first was the water itsel. Of course here the ocean is front and center but it did remind me of Paul and his watching the flowing water, the sea, the shadows on the wall, his death. Second I thought of Dickens when the captain talked of Music and Adventure as means to help them continue to existin their watery existence. That felt like something Dickens would advocate to his children on a stormy day. And I believe they did have their own family plays.
Mod
Plus the writing itself, such as his exuberance and exaggerations were pure Charles Dickens too:
(the ship)"I declare her to have been the completest and most exquisite Beauty that ever I set my eyes upon."
"good ship of the best build, well owned, well arranged, well officered, well manned, well found in all respects"
And (John Steadiman) "...aged thirty-two. A brisk, bright, blue-eyed fellow, a very neat figure and rather under the middle size, never out of the way and never in it, a face that pleased everybody and that all children took to, a habit of going about singing as cheerily as a blackbird, and a perfect sailor."
Golden Lucy, the perfect child, has been mentioned ... not only the crew but the passengers were perfect (save one)
And so on. Nobody else writes little chirpy cameos like this :)
Petra wrote: "Bridget, that's in the next section, I'm afraid. :DYes, John Steadiman's account was written by Wilkie Collins. We'll get to that section soon."
Thanks Petra! I went and amended my comment so there won't be any spoilers
Oh yes Jean. The cameos are dead on Dickens, be they of people or the ship itself.
Chirpy little cameos is wonderful! The more I read of Dickens, the more I completely agree with you Jean. I love all the characters he creates. He's a master of little details that paint a big picture. Like telling us that John Steadiman just got back from Van Diemen's Land, which we would know today as Tasmania, or Devil's Island. During the era of this story the very worst criminals were exiled there, so John Steadiman must be a man of strong mind and body to have ventured there and back successfully.
This link lists 10 ships sunk by icebergs. Two of the 10 precede this short story and 2 happened in the same year this story was published, 1856. Perhaps these incidents were on Dickens’ and Collins’ minds.https://www.marineinsight.com/maritim...
Thanks, Petra, for your excellent introduction and fore the drawing. I’ve only read part one so far, and am intrigued by what happens next. I’m reminded of the game where person one starts a story, usually with it being a dark and stormy night, and then everyone in the group adds a piece.
Sue & Jean, the enthusiasm of Dickens really shines through in this section. I always smile when his enthusiasm comes through his words. I think about the man he may have been. Someone with such enthusiasm must have loved life with all it's flaws. He must have gone through each day marvelling at.....well, everything, I guess. I can only picture such enthusiasm with joy and love. Dickens wasn't a perfect man (none of us are) but he loved life, I believe. I like this about the man I picture and hope it was true.
Bridget, no worries at all. I'm looking forward to that part of the discussion as well. :D
The account of Captain Ravender contains a number of 6's, which got me curious about the number six.The occurrence of the number 6 in the text:
- Ravender is 56 years old. He was born 6 months after his father's passing. His fiancee died 6 weeks before the wedding.
- the voyage of the Golden Mary was calm for 60 days, then they were surrounded by icebergs
- the emerged from the icebergs on the 6th day, which was their 66th day at sea
- the lifeboats were overloaded by "at least" 6 people
- 26 days after the sinking, Ravender is helped to the bottom of the boat by "she" and Golden Lucy
I found that the number six has a few connotations:
Biblical
- the number 6 symbolizes man and human weakness,
- number 60 is considered to be the threshold of when a person enters the last major phase of their life.
- The number six symbolizes the intermediate and transitional condition of the human being, whether as an individual or humanity collectively (Bahai Teachings)
Some places where the number 6 appears in the Bible:
- God worked for six days; rested on the seventh
- Genesis: man appears on day 6
- Exodus: a Hebrew slave shall be held for 6 years
- John: Jesus attends a wedding and converts 6 jars of water into wine.
Numerology
The number 6 is the embodiment of the heart. It represents unconditional love and the ability to support, nurture, and heal.
It is a powerful force of compassion and empathy and its warm light is a beacon of hope. Its role is to use its heart and soul to be of service to others.
Angel Numbers
Angel numbers are a method for our guardian angels to send us messages. They cannot speak to us directly but they can put numbers in one's way to guide one.
The angel number six represents:
- the truth to all the experiences in life. It is mostly seen in the darkest of times in our lives when we need light more than ever.
- a form of reminder of how much you have, encouraging an attitude of gratitude.
The Golden Mary was amongst the icebergs for 6 days. The next day (the 7th day), the barometer, which had until then been continually rising, was steady. When Captain Ravender went to bed, he again checked the barometer and found it still steady.
This episode occurs as they are rounding Cape Horn (Lat 58 S; Long 60 W........another 6) and the 67th day of the voyage, by my reckoning.
It's just before the ship runs into the iceberg. It's a moment when all is well (except the night is so exceptionally black).
With Biblical references in mind, could this 7th day of steady barometric pressure, with everyone peacefully sleeping, symbolize the day of rest?
Dickens did have a mystical, symbolic streak in him.
As the new morning starts (day 8 after reaching the icebergs), the world of those on the Golden Mary is turned upside down when the ship sinks.
Six days in the icebergs. A day of rest on the seventh day. Then all hell breaks loose on the eighth day.
I had noted all the references to the number 6 throughout that first section. Thank you, Petra, for all the fantastic information in regards to that number. Dickens is one clever man! Petra, you are one clever reader to put all that together.
Antoinette, thank you. I'm still trying to piece things together. Dickens is much more clever than I am. :D
Kathleen wrote: "Thanks, Petra, for your excellent introduction and fore the drawing. I’ve only read part one so far, and am intrigued by what happens next. I’m reminded of the game where person one starts a stor..."
Kathleen, sorry, I missed your post. Sorry.
That sounds like a fun game. I think we played something like it ag Girl Guide camp, but can't really remember. I only belonged to the group for a year.
Kathleen wrote: "This link lists 10 ships sunk by icebergs. Two of the 10 precede this short story and 2 happened in the same year this story was published, 1856. Perhaps these incidents were on Dickens’ and Collin..."I didn't realize there were so many ships sunk by icebergs. These are fascinating stories.
Thank you, Kathleen!
An illustration of the sinking by E. G. Dalziel:
That's fascinating info about sixes Petra! And Kathleen thanks for the link to the wrecks. I didn't realize there were so many,
That got me thinking about how many books I've read with ship wrecks in them. There are so many!! I think they are compelling stories because on some level we are all afraid of the sea. Its an environment not suited for mankind. "water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink". Man likes to think we control our world, but being at sea reminds us we are at the mercy of the wind and water. It covers so much of our planet, and yet it remains a mystery in so many ways.
And the idea of starving to death terrifies me! On a ship you only really have the food you bring with you. I was so relieved when Captain Ravender came out and said there will be no cannibalism.
Marvelous illustration. Captures the fury of the ocean and the smallness of the boats they are set adrift in compared to the Golden Mary herself.I remember the first time I was on a boat that went out to sea and lost sight of land...nothing but water as far as the eye could see. We were on a vessel that seemed large to me at port, but was quite small when out on the water--which was really brought home when we came close to a freighter who was coming into land. It was a short trip to an island, but I was left with the realization that I would never want to be at sea in stormy weather or in a lifeboat!
My husband loves being on the sea in his boat, or used to, but the first trip I made with him convinced me that I needed to see land at all times. The nothingness all around is just terrifying to me, even in these days of communication and technology. The courage of those passengers to endure the cold and the hunger and the sure certainty of death with forbearance was an admirable part of this story. The fury of the sea is illustrated in the picture above. I'm with Petra, the discoveries and settlement
of new land would not have happened with more people like me.
Bridget wrote: "That's fascinating info about sixes Petra! That got me thinking about how many books I've read with ship wrecks in them. There are so many!! I think they are compelling stories because on some level we are all afraid of the sea. Its an environment not suited for mankind. "water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink". Man likes to think we control our world, but being at sea reminds us we are at the mercy of the wind and water. It covers so much of our planet, and yet it remains a mystery in so many ways.
..."
Bridget, I think you've hit the nail on the head. The sea is an entity onto itself and won't be tamed. We're at her mercy when we sail upon her. Just the thought of being tossed in the waters without feeling or seeing any land is terrifying. Not for me.
Slow starvation is another situation that brings terror and chills to me.
Sara wrote: "Marvelous illustration. Captures the fury of the ocean and the smallness of the boats they are set adrift in compared to the Golden Mary herself.I remember the first time I was on a boat that wen..."
Don't those lifeboats look vulnerable and tiny? I can't even imagine what would go through one's mind when one realizes that this tiny boat was the only thing between life and death.
Speaking of lifeboats, I have a question that I cannot come to a good answer to:Captain Ravender chose the long boat and the surf boat to carry passengers and crew to possible safety. He left the Cutter behind.
Passengers and crew came to 40 people, I believe. I think Lucy made it 41.
The total capacity of the long and surf boats was 35. The boats were overloaded.
The capacity of the cutter was 5 more than the surf boat.
Why would Captain Ravender choose the long and surf boats, overloading them, when he could have chosen the long and cutter boats for a capacity of 40?
This question has been mulling through my head since the night of the sinking.
Diane wrote: "My husband loves being on the sea in his boat, or used to, but the first trip I made with him convinced me that I needed to see land at all times. The nothingness all around is just terrifying to m..."Diane, I hear you loud and clear. LOL. I'm a landlubber at heart. I like the sea and like being on it.....but in close proximity to shore.
Petra wrote: "Speaking of lifeboats, I have a question that I cannot come to a good answer to:Captain Ravender chose the long boat and the surf boat to carry passengers and crew to possible safety. He left the..."
The cutter was destroyed when the Golden Mary hit the iceberg. The iceberg split the wood on one side of the ship.
Thanks, Connie! How did I miss that?!!!!! I'm going back to reread that section. That certainly clears up that mystery. Thank you!
Thanks for that great illustration. It certainly makes this story even more real. I have only ever been on small boats and the largest body of water was Boston Harbor. No, I took a boat around the islands of Portland Harbor in Maine. But I think I probably was able to see some point of land at all times. I never would have been an explorer. When I see distant ancestors at Ancestry.com who arrived in New England in the 17th century, I really wonder if I would have come (though I suppose I would have had to obey my father, husband, brother, etc whatever male was going.
Petra wrote: "Thanks, Connie! How did I miss that?!!!!! I'm going back to reread that section. That certainly clears up that mystery. Thank you!"I found the passage. My ebook had a strange format right there and that sentence was on a page by itself. Perhaps I accidently skipped that page and missed this information when I read it first.
Thanks, Connie! That cleared up the mystery.
Sue wrote: "Thanks for that great illustration. It certainly makes this story even more real. I have only ever been on small boats and the largest body of water was Boston Harbor. No, I took a boat around the ..."Sue, I'm with you. My instincts would have been to stay home; where ever "home" might have been.
On the other hand, maybe people in former days were in a situation that made these decisions more palatable. If life is poor and hard enough, perhaps a sea voyage and a chance at a safer life on the other side made the risk worthwhile.
Brave people; no matter the circumstances. I applaud them all.
Moving the summary for John Steadiman's account to here, just to start our new section.This section of John's account is short and reflective.
John Steadiman's Account
They have passed tweny six days in the lifeboats.
In the surf boat, Mr. Rames sees a signal from the long boat. John confirms the signal is at half-mast; a signal of distress. He gives orders to row closer to the long boat to confer together as to what his orders are.
John thinks about those who have died (a few passengers in the surf boat have passed away), including Golden Lucy. He recalls the passengers of the long boat hoisting Lucy in the air (when they were stronger). From the surf boat, she looked like “a little white bird in the air”.
When the boats are close enough, John learns he is to come aboard to command the long boat. All hearts sink, thinking the Captain is dead and relieved to find out that he still lives but too weak to command. It was close to midnight before conditions were right for John to move to the long boat and leaves Mr. Rames in command of the surf boat. The moon shone “so white and ghastly”.
John finds three people huddled at the bottom of the boat. Miss Coleshaw, eyes wide, seemed to be trying to speak, but no words could be heard. Mrs. Atherfield, face turned up towards the sky, had a faint smile on her face. The captain lay beside Mrs. Atherfield.
John puts his hand inside William’s clothes. He feels a bit of warmth but no heartbeat, it is so weak. John sees that the Captain has not had shoes since the sinking of the Golden Mary, when he was awoken and left his room without putting his shoes on.
John takes control of the ship and gives words of encouragement to crew & passengers. He tells Rames to keep the Surf-boat as close as possible and takes his place at the helm.
I felt the despair in this short segment. Yet, despite that despair, there is so much courage, too. The sense of unity is still there, despite the desperate situation for all.
Before they hit the iceberg, Dickens use of words to set the mood for the amount of darkness they experienced is brilliant.I had thought it impossible that it could be darker than it had been, until the sun, moon and stars should fall out of the Heavens, and Time should be destroyed......The darkness was so profound, that looking into it was painful and oppressive - like looking, without a ray of light, into a dense black bandage put as close before the eyes as it could be, without touching them.
We've all experienced dark rooms and the darkness of night but without the moon and stars to help acclimate our eyesight, it would be next to impossible to see the hand before your face. In a familiar setting, I think I could make my way around in the pitch darkness. But, this is so much more difficult to imagine being out on the open seas not seeing and not knowing until it happens.
For such a short work, Dickens and Collins are masterful at making you truly care about their characters and feel that you know them. I was very concerned for the Captain and thought this segment of John Steadiman said a great deal about his courage and his ability to lead men. Keeping panic away in a situation like this would be very difficult. It is the trust these people have in the men who are leading that make a difference. We are repeatedly told that Mrs. Atherfield speaks to Lucy during this time, so the "ghost" of her daughter is what keeps her alive, and in her weakened condition, she would hardly be able to separate the delusion from the reality.
You would scarcely guess that the pen has changed hands this is so seamlessly written.
Lori wrote: "Before they hit the iceberg, Dickens use of words to set the mood for the amount of darkness they experienced is brilliant.I had thought it impossible that it could be darker than it had been, un..."
Very difficult to imagine. You would hear the water beating against the sides of the boat and the sounds the people made, but the darkness would make you feel alone and doomed, I should think.
Dickensians!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Life of Charles Dickens : Volume II (other topics)The Life of Charles Dickens : Volume II (other topics)
The Woman in White (other topics)
David Copperfield (other topics)
Dombey and Son (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Charles Dickens (other topics)Arthur Conan Doyle (other topics)
Elizabeth Gaskell (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
Wilkie Collins (other topics)
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Diane, publication date of the periodicals would have been an exciting day, for sure, I believe. To be able to begin a new story and continue with older stories, then discuss it all with family & friends.
I love the idea of reading by a cozy fire, enjoying the stories.
I remember, as a child, these periodical magazines where each issue continued stories from previous issues, began new stories, and contained shorter & complete stories. Only one of the stories that continued through many issues were ever finished in the monthly edition at hand. It was a good day when I could pick up the next issue and read on. Also, throughout the month, I would read the stories at leisure and enjoyment.
I can understand the joy and excitement the Victorians felt on publication day of Household Words.