The Dutchman Summary and Analysis

Haunted by thoughts of food and drink, Callahan spends April 8th carefully scanning the horizon for signs of land. Spotting a ship in the distance, he launches a hand flare. The ship is too far away. Callahan figures that his only hope lay in finding his way to the West Indies. Weary of killing, Callahan lands another dorado, proving himself with fresh food. He yearns for his early days adrift, when he was still strong and could afford some measure of leisure time. Callahan warns himself that matters could become worse, but his sore-covered body is already wracked with agony, his spirit in shambles. Despite his heartbreak, his withered body lacks the moisture even to generate tears.

Callahan touches the passing dorado. He imagines that they are seducing him, tempting him to a watery grave. Callahan refuses their advances...