Chapter 5 Summary

The narrator begins reflecting on how "nothing lasts, neither joy nor despair." He had gone to bed drunk and hoping to die, but he awakes Sunday morning full of optimism, vowing to forget the shameful event he witnessed and dwell on it never again. He recalls Sissy's advice that whenever a frightful image comes to mind, he must picture a giant foot coming down to stamp it flat.

McKinlay returns his mother's portrait to Morgan. They discuss when Titanic is likely to reach New York, and the steward tells of the captain's expertise during four crossings aboard the Olympic. Morgan feels the ostentatious steward is growing too bold.

Melchett is surprised to find Morgan sober. Morgan is determined to become "dull as ditch water" and accompanies Melchett to church services in the saloon, but his mind constantly wanders. Afterwards, Morgan apologizes to the...