How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The cook had tied a life-belt around himself in order to get even the warmth which this clumsy cork contrivance could donate, and he seemed almost stove-like when a rower, whose teeth invariably chattered wildly as soon as he ceased his labor, dropped down to sleep. (5.11)
We get the feeling we're not supposed to consider the cook very strong, considering the pointed mention of his "fat forearms" (1.3) right there at the beginning of the story. This line arrives inconspicuously in the middle of the story, when the foremost concern on the men's minds is staying warm through the night. We might not think much of the life preserver, but then at the end when the men are tossed from the boat, the cook has a floatation device around his middle and he seems to float pretty comfortably to shore. We'd say that demonstrates considerable skill.
Quote #8
But the thing did not then leave the vicinity of the boat. Ahead or astern, on one side or the other, at intervals long or short, fled the long sparkling streak, and there was to be heard the whiroo of the dark fin. The speed and power of the thing was greatly to be admired. It cut the water like a gigantic and keen projectile. (5.21)
What's the second most terrifying thing in the ocean, after the ocean itself? Sharks! Oh and look, here's one right now. The correspondent provides the commentary as it circles the boat in the dead of night. Even then, he cannot help but notice, "the speed and power of the thing was greatly to be admired." What does this tell us about strength and skill? Well, as we mentioned above, these qualities aren't only present in the good guys. We might also suggest that the shark doesn't really do anything—it just makes its presence known and moves on. In a sense, you could say the shark is sort of impotent; its strength and skill are useless.
Quote #9
The third wave moved forward, huge, furious, implacable. It fairly swallowed the dingey, and almost simultaneously the men tumbled into the sea. A piece of life-belt had lain in the bottom of the boat, and as the correspondent went overboard he held this to his chest with his left hand. (7.17)
This is another example of what we discussed earlier with the cook—that skill is often just as valuable and important as strength. You know what they say, "The life-preserver is mightier than the sword."