ATDTDA (18): Can't make much out, sir, 514-516

[Paul Nightingale]

It transpires that, when not guesting in first class, Root might be found
"nosing around in the lower spaces of the vessel, despite signs posted in
all major tongues warning of the dire fate awaiting any who trespassed"
(515-516). Interesting that "lower spaces" are introduced as being distinct
from either of the class-defined spaces where he might otherwise be found;
and "trespass[ing]" relates to another kind of transgression, one defined by
knowledge as opposed to social status.

However, the section begins by questioning the relationship between Kit and
Dally; they might just as well be "on separate vessels ... each bound to a
different destiny" (514). Earlier she told her mother that he isn't "beau
material" (513); although that was followed by a more revealing declaration
to Bria (514). Now she accuses him of "high-hatting [her] again" (top of
515), perhaps an echo of her comment to Bria: "... it's hopeless" (514).

Kit's introspection and his inability to accept "the great simple fact of
Webb's absence" (515) follows his recollection, provoked by Dally, of his
brothers (513); yet one might recall his estrangement from Webb following
the injunction to choose (105). As the sea-voyage proceeds he seems to want
to recapture a time before his father's ultimatum, and one might also recall
that the departure from the US has been, in part, consequent on the failure
of his relationship, for want of a better term, with Scarsdale Vibe.
Previously Erlys has prompted Dally, confronted by a newly-discovered
family, not to give up on Merle-as-Pa (509); and now Kit too is thinking
back to a family life that predates his current situation/predicament.

Consequently, their "separate vessels" are not so far apart if one thinks of
narrative concerns. However, if he feels trapped ("The enclosure, the
repetition of daily faces ..., 515), then she remarks upon her isolation
("by now it was singular"). Nonetheless, independently of these two figures
circling each other, the concept has been established: there are two ships,
and the Stupendica has "a secret identity" (515): its exposure is
inseparable from an explicit reference to" the future European war at sea
which everyone was confident would come". The ship can reinvent itself as
easily as Kit or Dally.

And so to Root, picked out by his association with Kit (511), but now
enjoying his solitude. He is witness to the ship's alternative life:
previously, crew appeared to announce dinner (509), but here a rather more
covert routine is evident (516). Covert but just as disciplined (eg,
"intensively drilled ..." etc): human activity is an extension of the
machine. Root's presence is disruptive; and then, by way of conclusion, his
role as narrative agent is sidelined by the flash
forward upon which the
passage ends. The final paragraph contains a brief dialogue that confirms
hierarchy aboard the ship.