More significant to the historical and sociological nature of the plot is the eruption of black slaves against a system that transports them like case goods from their native land to the point of sale. When Cereno whispers to Babo, Captain Delano mistakenly construes the act as discourtesy or conspiracy rather than a response to coercion. So repressed and timorous is Cereno that his coughing literally cuts off his words. One aspect of this lapse of communication is Babo and Atufal's constant censorship of Cereno. Repeated miscommunication throughout the rising action underscores a central theme - the inability of characters to express or understand crucial matters. For an instant, the situation threatens to erupt into violence: the hatchet-polishers observe his menacing action Cereno cries out. The blacks shove their way to the water Delano pushes his way free of them. An elderly man appears and refers to the man as simple-witted, claims the knot, and tosses it overboard.Īround noon on the overcast day, Delano, seeking a respite from the unfathomable goings-on aboard the San Dominick, turns his attention to his approaching whale-boat, the Rover, which restores his mind from suspicious thoughts to "a thousand trustful associations." Keeping his men in the Rover, he distributes his gifts of pumpkins, bread, sugar, cider, and water. The old sailor disappears into the crowd. Working up a huge knot, seemingly made of combinations of many different knots, the old man tosses the bulky object to Delano and mutters in broken English, "Undo it, cut it, quick." Delano says nothing, then turns to find Atufal standing silently behind. Later, drawing the attention of one of the old oakum pickers, Delano returns to the deck, where he spies an elderly sailor sitting cross-legged near a hatchway. A rotted balustrade gives way, causing Delano to clutch a rope to save himself from falling overboard. Observing the ruined state of what was once a handsome ship, Delano notes a sailor who seems to be gesturing toward the balcony. Delano also notices an old bear-like Barcelona sailor splicing a rope and engages him with questions about the voyage, then turns his attention to a sleeping black woman, whose baby tries futilely to nurse. As Delano accompanies Babo and his master, he passes other Spanish sailors who eye him meaningfully, and one particular sailor, tarring the strap on a block, seems steeped in criminality. Unable to remain on deck, Cereno is escorted below. Babo murmurs that "Master wouldn't part with Babo for a thousand doubloons." Delano is so impressed by the servant's solicitude that he offers to buy him for fifty doubloons. Cereno, who is overcome by a spasm of coughing, falls into the ready hands of Babo. Moments later, on a deck below, a second violent episode occurs when two blacks dash a Spanish sailor to the deck, provoking an outcry from Delano. Unnerved by ominous thoughts about pirates and treachery, Delano begins to wonder about the situation aboard the San Dominick, then dismisses his gloomy suppositions and returns to his plan to send his second mate to serve as substitute captain on the voyage to Concepcion.ĭelano's musings halt with the appearance of his whale-boat at a distance. As Delano climbs down from the rear deck, he sees the Spanish sailor quickly conceal a sparkling object in his shirtfront. Babo's whispering with Cereno resumes, during which time the Spanish sailor descends the rigging, keeping an eye on their conference. To Cereno's questions about his men and his ship, Delano replies that a crew of twenty-five sail the Bachelor's Delight, that he traded in Canton for silks and tea and some silver currency, and that the ship is fully manned and armed with a cannon or two and the usual assortment of small weapons. Delano considers the possibility that Cereno is an imposter, but an examination of his aristocratic profile assures his identity as a "true hidalgo Cereno." Delano grows peevish with their inhospitable treatment and turns his attention toward a Spanish sailor, who appears to look at him with a covert intentness. except the main company of blacks, who belonged to his late friend Alexandro Aranda, who died of the 'fever.'"Īpart from Delano, Babo and Cereno whisper together and appear to refer to their American guest. To Delano's question about who owns the slaves, Benito answers that he is the owner "of all you see. Benito replies that he brought up cases of knives and hatchets for certain slaves to clean. Delano advises Don Benito to keep the blacks better occupied to avoid further incidents. He invites the captain to the upper rear deck, where Delano witnesses a violent clash between a young black boy and his Spanish companions. Don Benito appears to fluctuate between gratitude and despair.
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