Chapter 60

Summary

• Chapter 60 details the protagonist, Blackthorne, in a state of mourning over the destruction of his ship, the Erasmus, blaming the Japanese (derogatorily referred to as 'monkeys') and his own absence during the disaster.
• The Dutchman, Vinck, approaches Blackthorne blaming him for the ship's destruction and expressing fear and hopelessness about their predicament in Japan.
• Blackthorne entertains violent thoughts towards Vinck due to his constant whining but manages to contain his anger.
• The exchange with Vinck ends with Vinck’s breakdown and subsequent death, which Blackthorne reacts to by burying him and contemplating his losses and responsibilities.
• A carrier pigeon, symbolizing survival and wit, captures Blackthorne’s attention momentarily but fails to distract him from his grief.
• Ultimately, Blackthorne feels helpless without his ship and ponders upon the futility of his efforts to circumnavigate the globe.