The Helmsman (short Story) - Plot Summary

Plot Summary

The story begins with a struggle between the helmsman, who narrates, and a stranger who refuses to accept his position and finally takes over the helm and drives the narrator away. The helmsman goes to his shipmates to complain and get their help, but though they agree that he is the true helmsman, they seem to be hypnotized by the stranger, and do nothing to drive him away. When the stranger tells them not to disturb him they withdraw, leaving the narrator to wonder, "What kind of people are these? Do they ever think, or do they only shuffle pointlessly over the earth?"

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