Erin's post on The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym

            Our first impression of Arthur is definitely one of vulnerability, apprehension, and fear.  He follows after Augustus like a puppy dog and is deemed useless when Augustus loses control of the boat, due to his drunken state.  In this opening scene, Arthur relies too heavily on his comrade, which ultimately leads to their downfall and necessary rescue.  Arthur is not strong enough for the both of them.  However, after this instance, Arthur is set on the idea of travel.

            He sees the joy and exhilaration that Augustus gets from travel, so it is clear to Arthur that he needs to follow Augustus aboard the Grampus.  Despite the lack of support from his family, Arthur is able to use deceit and cunning tactics to secure his place aboard the ship.  He does not question his comrade once, nor does he dispute anything that Augustus suggests. 

            During his incarceration, Arthur goes several days without seeing light or Augustus.  He runs low on food and water, but not once does he doubt his friend or condemn him to hell.  He endures the harsh treatments, while constantly making excuses for Augustus’s absence.  If put into a situation such as this, most people would grow mad and insane, while possibly growing a strong hatred for the person that placed him or her into a position such as this.  However, Arthur makes the most of the situation and uses as much resources as possible, while also remaining quiet and hidden.  In this instance, we see Arthur grow stronger, both physically and mentally.  He is not willing to give up on himself, Tiger, nor Augustus.  He has come a long way from the helpless man aboard the Ariel. 

            Once Augustus finishes telling his story, Arthur states to the reader, “I had never reason to doubt the sincerity of his friendship” (Poe 51).  Even after such a horrific experience in captivity, Arthur leaves it all behind and stands by his friend once again.  He even feels remorse for the cruelty Augustus had to endure. 

            When Arthur goes back into hiding, he does not argue or complain to Augustus; he willingly enters the new spot.  We see an even stronger Arthur begin to form, as he lies awake watching Dirk Peters and the men in control of the brig. 

            In the following passage, Arthur’s intelligence and bravery is best exemplified:

            “I began to entertain hopes, that through the instrumentality of Peters we may finally be enabled to regain possession of the brig, and this idea I mentioned to Augustus as soon as I found an opportunity.  He thought the matter possible.”

(Poe 67)

            Instead of staying hidden and keeping to himself, Arthur begins to suggest ideas and strategies for gaining control once again.  He shows no sign of fear, nor does he quiver at the possible danger that they remain in.  Arthur is beginning to show signs of the bravery that is so evident within Augustus.  It may be a bit unconventional, but Augustus is bringing about the best version of his friend and breaking down necessary walls that once held Arthur concealed from the rest of the world.