One of Conrad's most effective techniques in his description of the storm is to show how it is perceived by different members of the ship's officers after the storm makes its memorable impact. Multiple points of view are used here and throughout the novella; hence readers should not be upset at the use of multiple points of view at the story's end, although Conrad's technique has the effect of destroying the possibility of a melodramatic ending.

Another useful technique is Conrad's revelation of the characters of different officers through the various letters they write during calm times on board ship.

MacWhirr, for instance, in his letter to his wife after the storm does not even begin to convey the fierceness and frightening quality of the ordeal his ship has survived.

Conrad also uses straightforward description effectively, although always in a controlled manner; when the hurricane strength hits the...