A Discussion of Joseph Conrad's The Secret Sharer

Presents Charles Van Doren discussing Joseph Conrad's life and offering some theories on the interpretation of Conrad's sea story The Secret Sharer. Points out that Conrad, who was born in landlocked Poland and spoke no English until he was 21, wrote in a great nautical tradition and became one of the great stylists of the English language. Illustrates with scenes from the story such themes as the isolated world of sailing ships at sea, the responsibility of men in command, the paradoxical combination of brutality and courage in the same individual, and how men exorcise the demons in themselves. Offers no one interpretation and suggests Conrad's intentional ambiguity. The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad also available.