The Sea-Wolf is an example of nautical fiction. Nautical fiction is a genre of stories and novels that take place on the sea, exploring maritime culture and technology, as well as the relationship between humanity and the ocean. The sea looms large in The Sea-Wolf as it does in all nautical fiction, functioning not only as a dramatic backdrop for the events of the story but also as a metaphor for humanity’s “primitive” roots and as a representation of captain Wolf Larsen’s emotional volatility and power.
Due to the male-dominated history of sailing, nautical fiction often features all-male casts of characters and explores themes of masculinity. The Sea-Wolf follows in this tradition, tracing Humphrey’s journey toward connecting with his masculine power as he survives the abuse of Wolf Larsen, strengthens his body, and learns the value of hard work. Frequently, nautical fiction involves the protagonist undergoing some sort of test or ordeal, emerging stronger than they were at the start of the story.
Nautical fiction is also often interested in investigating social hierarchies. The structured nature of a ship’s crew allows the ship to function as a microcosm of society, while the ship’s location—at sea, away from the rules of land—can create an environment where normal social hierarchies are upended or inverted. In The Sea-Wolf, for example, Humphrey’s money and education put him at the top of the social hierarchy on land. However, at sea, he is bumped to the bottom of the ladder, starting off as a cabin boy because, in the words of Wolf Larsen, his hands, soft from a life of leisure, are “good for little else than dish-washing and scullion work.” Wolf Larsen’s tremendous physical strength puts him at the top of the social hierarchy on the Ghost, despite the fact that he was born into poverty and received no formal education.
