The Sea-Wolf | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Sea-Wolf Topics for Discussion

Wolf Larsen demands that Hump accept promotion to mate. Later, Hump characterizes Brewster as his "mate-woman" (for example, see Chapter 35). Contrast Hump as mate to Brewster as mate. What characteristics do the characters share that qualify them to be a mate?

Thomas Mugridge complains that life is not fair (for example, see Chapter 13). Do you think that Mugridge has been singled out by Providence for defeat?

After the shark strikes off Mugridge's foot, Mugridge bites Larsen's foot. Discuss the symbolic nature of Mugridge's attack on Larsen.

The plot is assembled from a dizzying string of highly improbable events. Is the narrative compelling and believable in spite of this?

Death Larsen is described as Wolf Larsen stripped of intellect - in other words, Death is simply a purely materialistic man without any philosophy or virtues. Still, Death is fully triumphant over Wolf. Does this suggest that a keen mind...
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