What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness?
How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming?
How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son?
What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd?
Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?
‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness’.
Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.
Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.
Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?
Pick out one or two other examples of allusion from the story and comment briefly on the comparison made.
Now complete the columns below and mark the syllable that receives primary stress.
What brought Captain Hagberd to Colebrook?
Why did the people of Colebrook not have a favourable opinion of Captain Hagberd?
What sort of a seaman had Captain Hagberd been?
Captain Hagberd constantly hinted at something that made Bessie blush. What was it?
What were Bessie’s reactions to old Hagberd’s ravings?
What sort of a person was Mr. Carvil?
What was the point of similarity between Captain Hagberd and old Mr. Carvil?
Why did Bessie sometimes show signs of irritation and disgust?
Who was the stranger who met Captain Hagberd? What was the Captain’s reaction to the meeting?
What did young Hagberd think it meant when old Hagberd said that his son would be coming home ‘tomorrow’?
What reasons did Bessie give for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes?
What makes Bessie convinced that the young man is indeed Harry?
What kind of life had Harry lived after he left home?
What does Bessie tell Harry about his father’s plans for him?
What did Captain Hagberd call out to Bessie from the window?
