Heroin

Heroin is one of the main themes in the story. It becomes so important that it takes over the minds of those dealing with it. Stone has a clear picture of the drug culture and how it changes people, particularly during trying times. Early in the story Charmian shows Converse a brick of heroin and he examines it. Converse tries it and becomes ill because of the high quality and strong effect it has on him. Charmian and Converse have a plan to smuggle three kilos of uncut heroin into the US aboard a merchant marine ship. Converse paid $10,000 for the majority share in the drugs and should receive $40,000 for the sale in the States. Charmian worries about the plan but Converse assures her that Marge is trustworthy, as is Hicks, his friend and transporter.

While heroin is illegal in the United States, it seems to be part...