What part of Alden’s report was the main cause of the Captain’s wrath?
Had Alden anticipated the effect that his report would have? How does
the arrival of the messenger (426) affect the plot? Is the incident of
the council a part of the main action, or merely an episode? Why was
it necessary at this stage that the Captain should be removed from the
presence of the other two (484)? What personal interests of the various
characters are pending or threatened at this point of the story?
In what way is the central action still in a state of suspense after
the Captain’s departure? Show how the suspense is to be accounted
for by the disposition and character of Alden. In what way are the
occurrences that take place during the Captain’s absence invested with
interest (824-900)?