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Chapter 6
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Sea-Wolf, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Self-Reliance and Maturation
Materialism vs. Idealism
Survival of the Fittest
Love, Duty, and Choice
Summary
Analysis
After three days of changing winds, the Ghost finally gets some favorable winds and begins to move quickly. Van Weyden marvels at how fast the ship moves. One night, he is surprised to hear Wolf Larsen quoting poetry, and the two of them talk amiably, again about the value (or worthlessness) of life.
The change to a favorable wind suggests that fortune has turned in Van Weyden’s favor again. It also reflects how Wolf Larsen’s stormy mood has cleared and become more pleasant.
Themes
