Typhoon (1902) is a story written by Joseph Conrad which is based on the past experience of the author as a seaman. It tells the story of Thomas MacWhirr, a grouchy captain who has to sail the SS Nan-Shan, a steamer full of chinese slaves, to the bay of Fuzhou. However, the boat must get through a typhoon in order to reach its destination, according to MacWhirr's first mate Jukes.
According to Conrad, the story isn't about the typhoon itself, but how it affects the characters.
The story provides examples of:
- Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep": some of the crew members are only named after their role.
- Exactly What It Says on the Tin: The typhoon is the main plot point of the story, even though the most important part of the story is how the characters react to the typhoon's wrath.
- Greed: During the typhoon, the chinese passengers are shaken up and lose their money. They then fight over which money belongs to whom.
- Inspired by…: Joseph Conrad's past experience as a seaman. Characters such as MacWhirr are also based on actual people that Conrad knew.
- Last-Name Basis: Jukes and Wilson
- Minimalist Cast: MacWhirr, Jukes and Root are the main three characters while a dozen of other characters are exclusive to certain chapters.
- Motivated by Fear: How the crew (especially Jukes) reacts to the danger of the typhoon.
- No Antagonist: Since the typhoon is only a natural hazard, there isn't a villain in the story.
- Novella
- Plot-Based Voice Cancellation: Certain dialogues are partlially cut by the sound of the typhoon.
- When You Coming Home, Dad?: MacWhirr rarely sees his family, as he prefers to sails the sea rather than walk on earth.
