Straka uses very descriptive language to set the stage. In describing the atmosphere, he uses words like “ghost,” died,” “freakish,” and “shadowed,” to instill a gloomy feeling in the reader and prepare them for the scene that is to follow.

When S “creeps” down to the lower deck (another piece of descriptive language that adds to the imagery of the page), he hears “thumps and hums” from the crew. A smell comes up from the deck. The scene is very vivid. Even so, “He keeps moving forward. He has to see” (214).

This desire to see what is happening highlights something about S’s character. It shows that he values discovering what is going on above his own safety, as he is breaking a rule by going below deck and putting himself in danger for the sake of understanding. The overall description of the ship adds to the feeling that builds up since the introduction of the ship that it is odd and supernatural.

In describing the feeling S gets while he hears the sounds, “S. feels as if he is watching a moving-picture” (214). This is an interesting choice of words given that that terminology is very outdated today. This shows that the novel “Ship of Theseus” is an old work.

There is no footnote on page 214, and only one note in the margins. Jen writes that she went to watch a movie. Later she acknowledges that it may have been wiser to study, but she’s “fried. And (she) can’t believe there’s still so much work to do. Plus I feel safer there“ (214). This shows her struggles with her work, as well as her fears that she is being targeted by some person or group, most likely Professor Moody.