Are any of the individuals in the book reliable narrators?
I think the author is as reliable as possible. The others all seem to be self serving in their shading of events.
I believe the narrators of the story were the independent accounts of Captain Cheap and the crew members. Their documented accounts vary based on the incidents they included and their individual perspectives. For example Cheap’s account of his killing of Cousins versus Buckeley’s. Consider that several of the surviving crew published “faithful accounts” of the voyage and shipwreck with the details they chose to include and the tone in which they presented those details. It should also be noted that the book itself was a compilation of the sources that the author chose to include and give voice to with his own perspective.
I agree with Patricia, all of them gave their own version of what happened based on their version of what the experienced. I believe the author did a great job of presenting many of the key participants interpretations of what happened on the voyage while giving the reader insight on a sailors lifestyle and typical social hierarchy of life on a ship.
John Byron, the 16 year old midshipman was my favorite narrator. He demonstrated courage, ethics, and humility allowing him to survive and live a successful life.
I also thought Bulkley was reliable since he was faithfully keeping notes in his journal.
I think the author did a great job of showing how the accounts of historical events really depend upon individual perspectives. I did not realize how many ship crew wrote in daily logs, or even afterwards, books about their experiences.
I don’t think any of the characters in the book were reliable narrators. They each had their own story based on their individual roles and responsibilities on the sailing ship and deserted island. I think they all felt “their way was best”.
I agree with you Ann. Whether through unconscious bias or consciously concealing personal failings, our narrators documented their experiences through their personal lenses. It makes me wonder what may have taken place that history will never know.
They were, as much as anyone is able to tell a story through any but one’s own eyes.
No. They all had their own agendas. All shared agenda of not getting court martialed and hanged.