The potential for self-discovery, complemented by the capacity for transformation, is latent in every man. When circumstances give rise to a strong stimulus to change, man finds a way to realize his innate potential. In Joseph Conrad's The Secret Sharer, the overly rational captain finds himself lacking the courage necessary for his new "position of utmost responsibility" (677). He impulsively carries out his desperate “[self-]task of [change]” (677) when catalyzed by Leggatt, a murderer he illegally protects. By freeing himself from hesitation and rationality and launching himself into a dangerous and intense test of his abilities, the captain emerges as a mature and balanced individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The captain is a logical, moderate, and intelligent man who is thrust into his leadership position "as a result of certain events of no particular significance" (677). The responsibilities that come with it, however, are immense in scope and he doubts his ability to manage the crew, the ship and himself simultaneously. Now that the “quiet communion [and comfort of subordination is]… gone forever” (677), the captain faces the undeniable fact that not only is he “a stranger to the ship… [but, more significantly, ] a stranger to [himself]" (677). With his insecurity and hesitation reinforced by suspicion and disrespect from the crew, the captain isolates himself. This physical and psychological isolation forces the captain to "live as an individual rather than as simply part of a society" (703). Only with the recognition that he must be "always perfectly self-possessed... [and] more than calm - almost invulnerable" (692) to succeed in his "first command" (701), does the captain further wish to gain respect and l acceptance of his crew and himself. It turns desperately inward to harness its potential for change; in this quest to "become true to that ideal conception of... [his] own personality [which he] secretly establishes for himself" (677), the captain sees Leggatt as the first embodiment of the self-assurance and stubborn perseverance he craves and that he misses it; Leggatt is an unrepentant killer, the epitome of impulsiveness, recklessness and self-confidence. However, it is not through direct association with Leggatt that the captain is able to bring out and integrate similar qualities from within himself; it is not through a servile and cowardly imitation of Leggatt, but rather through the risky enterprise of protecting Leggatt that he manages to become an integrated whole. Letting his passion and feeling of kinship for Leggatt prevail over his usual rationality, the captain impulsively agrees to give sanctuary to the murderer. This courageous disregard of society's moral code, complemented by the prioritization of his own feelings, gives the captain the opportunity to fully engage. Fearing the constant threat of discovery, the captain forces himself to maintain tireless vigilance. He combines his original cunning and caution with his growing audacity in keeping Leggatt hidden. From deceiving the Sephora captain to intimidating his steward and asserting himself, the captain pushes his skills to the limit. This process is physically demanding and he painfully endures this "infinitely miserable time" (693). Furthermore, it is mentally exhausting, as the imminent danger of discovery is both "unnerving" (691) and "exasperating" (693). The consequences of the discovery, which include mutiny and the possible death of the captain, are all too close and real. He altruistically sacrifices his own" (701).