The quotes of “The Woman in Cabin 10” match the genre of the novel and the literary technique, which employs vivid descriptions and clever twists.
Confinement and Discomfort
“And as I stepped onto the narrow steel gangway I had a sudden disorienting image of the Aurora as a ship imprisoned in a bottle—tiny, perfect, isolated, and unreal—and of myself, shrinking down to match it with every step I took towards the boat. It was a strange feeling as if I were looking down the wrong end of a telescope, and it gave me a dizzying sensation almost like vertigo.”
Lo’s thoughts about the surprisingly small size of the yacht; Part 1, Chapter 5.
This quote is from the thoughts of the protagonist, Lo Blacklock, as she gets on the luxury cruise yacht. At the time, Lo embarks on the cruise as a travel journalist for a work assignment. The foundation of Lo’s discomfort originates from the recent robbery she encountered. After the theft, she is trapped inside and eventually seeks professional help to fix her broken door.
This quote from “The Woman in Cabin 10” signifies Lo Blacklock’s psychological state while illuminating themes of confinement and isolation. Inside the Aurora, Lo hardly believes that a library, spa, sunroom, cocktail lounge, and so on fit in the small ship. She suddenly feels detached from reality.
The description of the Aurora as a “ship imprisoned in a bottle” and feeling like she was shrinking depicts anxiety. As literary devices such as metaphor and imagery convey Lo’s inner struggles, the intriguing atmosphere of the novel persists.
“Maybe that was closer to the truth–we weren’t captor and captive, but two animals in different compartments of the same cage. Hers was just slightly larger.”
Lo’s thoughts about Carrie’s actions; Part 7, Chapter 30.
This is a quote from Lo’s thoughts. Although she initially attacks Carrie, Lo eventually takes a moment to reconsider and realizes Carrie is also trapped differently. Moving from a simplistic captor-captive dynamic to acceptance of shared limitations and struggles, Lo feels emotionally connected to Carrie.
The quote marks a switch in Lo’s understanding of her dilemma. It signifies introspection as she moves from a position of victimhood to the acknowledgment of the humanity and vulnerability of her captor. This evokes compassion within her and causes Lo to approach her situation with a different mindset.
The quote contributes to plot by showing the complexity of human relationships, highlighting the enslavement of people by their fears and secrets. Comparing the characters of Lo and Carrie to “two animals in different compartments of the same cage” is a metaphor that talks about the restricted lives both women lead. “The same cage” represents the confined environment of the yacht and the restriction caused by fear.
“I felt an odd reluctance to go into details, not just because talking about it brought back unpleasant flashes of what had happened but also out of a kind of pride. I wanted to sit at this table as a professional, the smooth, capable journalist able to take on all comers. I didn’t relish the portrait of myself as a frightened victim, cowering in my bedroom.”
Lo’s thoughts when she is questioned about her robbery; Part 2, Chapter 8.
This is a thought of Lo while at the first dinner on the Aurora. When the other passengers ask about the burglary in her house in London, she is reluctant to open up. She does not want to explain that she feels violated and vulnerable because it destroys the image of the successful and confident journalist that she intends to project. The quote describes the struggle between revealing her trauma and exuding an air of control.
This quote signifies Lo’s desire to be competent and strong. it also reflects the societal expectations of women in professional settings. Lo’s vulnerability may have other passengers questioning her competence, so she keeps it hidden.
The internal monologue that happens gives direct access to the thoughts of Lo Blacklock. The phrase “cowering in my bedroom” employs vivid description to explain Lo’s helplessness when faced with danger. The quote illustrates how individuals cope with uncomfortable situations and the lengths they go to protect themselves.
“There was a little spritz of sequined leaves across the right shoulder because you didn’t seem to be able to get away with none. The majority of ball gowns were designed by five-year-old girls armed with glitter guns, but at least this one didn’t look entirely like an explosion in a Barbie factory.”
Lo’s flashback to when she was preparing for the luxury cruise; Part 2, Chapter 6.
This is a quote from Lo’s flashback. Lo is preparing to attend a formal dinner on the yacht and reflects on fashion choices. The quote humorously criticizes the flamboyant style of most ball dresses, implying excessive glitters and sequins. Although Lo is uncomfortable with the decorations on her dress, she is relieved it is less adorned than others. This proves her preference for subtlety.
Lo’s ability to infuse humor during an unpleasant situation suggests she is resilient. The quote addresses the subjects of appearance and discomfort. It critiques the frivolous nature of luxury, characterized by extravagant ball gowns.
“Designed by five-year-old girls armed with glitter guns” and looking like an “explosion in a Barbie factory,” exaggeratedly explains the glamor of the gowns. The use of “like an explosion in a Barbie factory” is a simile that explains the childlike nature of the fashion, contradicting Lo’s more mature taste. The tone employed is humorous and sarcastic.
Wealth and Influence
“Given his title, I’d assumed that his wealth had been handed to him on a plate, but it looked, from Wikipedia at least, as if I’d been unfair.”
Lo’s thoughts about her perception of Richard Bullmer, on her way to board the yacht; Part 1, Chapter 5.
This quote is from Lo’s thoughts. She reflects on her initial speculations of Richard Bullmer, who owns the luxury yacht. She researches his background and discovers he did not inherit his wealth but earned it through successful businesses. This realization changes her opinions of him. As Lo investigates the mysterious events on the cruise, she reassesses her assumptions, leading to her character growth.
Lo tends to make hasty judgments on stereotypes, influencing her perception of others. In terms of plot progression, this quote marks a moment that helps transform Lo’s shallow understanding into profound scrutiny of the people she is surrounded by.
The quote employs irony when Lo admits her quick judgment. As a journalist, she should know better. “His title” employs metonymy to portray the entire status of Richard Bullmer. This depicts the presumptions that come with societal titles.
“I wouldn’t say close. We don’t move in the same circles—it’s hard when one of you is a struggling photographer and the other one’s married to one of the wealthiest women in Europe.”
Cole Lederer to Lo when they are on the yacht; Part 2, Chapter 9.
This is a quote from Lo’s conversations with other characters. Cole Lederer says this to Lo on the Aurora Borealis in chapter 9. Lo is learning about the guests on the ship, and she asks Cole about his relationship with Richard. Cole explains that although familiarity exists between them, the different social and financial statuses prevent close friendship. This quote was said to illustrate Richard’s wealthy lifestyle and its hindrance to deep connections with others.
Furthermore, the quote signifies Cole’s realism concerning his social status. He acknowledges himself as a struggling photographer, proving to be aware of societal rankings and his position within those hierarchies. The quote illustrates how wealth and status create boundaries in relations, even within the outwardly egalitarian environment of the yacht.
It also contributes to the plot progression as it helps Lo understand the dynamics between various characters on board.
“If only I had believed her—I should never have shown Anne’s ID at the hotel or trusted Erik with even the few details I’d given him. But I just hadn’t quite believed that anyone, however wealthy, could have the kind of reach Carrie believed. Now I realized I was wrong.”
Lo has a flashback of Carrie’s warning against talking about Richard Bullmer; Part 8, Chapter 34.
This quote comes from flashbacks. Before Lo’s release, Carrie warns against trusting anyone. This is because Richard Bullmer is influential and has connections in many places. Unfortunately, Lo confides in a hotel manager who informs Richard of her escape. Admitting her failure to heed Carrie’s warnings, she expresses regret.
Realizing she underestimated the power and influence of wealth, Lo runs away to protect herself from Bullmer. Her admission is timely as it sustains the suspense and increases the urgency of her predicament. The quote signifies the internal conflict Lo struggles with, making her character more relatable. Irony is also displayed using Lo’s disbelief of Bullmer’s influence. She lacks the cynical and critical analysis aspects of journalism. Lo’s regret implies upcoming disasters she will face, building anticipation.
Trauma and Depression
“You didn’t see anything. You saw a girl, of which there are many on this boat, and then much later you heard a splash. From that, you have jumped to conclusions that are very close to the traumatic event you yourself experienced a few nights ago—a case of two and two making five. This does not warrant a murder investigation, Miss Blacklock.”
Nilsson to Lo when she talks about Carrie’s disappearance on the yacht; Part 4, Chapter 14.
This quote is derived from conversations with other characters. Nilsson says this to Lo on the yacht in chapter 14. Lo witnesses a murder onboard and informs Nilsson. Responsible for maintaining order and security on the ship, he disregards Lo’s concerns. He insinuates that Lo’s observations are influenced by her emotional state as she recently experienced a traumatic burglary at her apartment. By dismissing Lo’s account, he tries to avert an “unnecessary” murder investigation.
This quote signifies the skepticism of others because of Lo’s mental state. As Lo struggles for credibility, the conflict between subjective experience and objective reality comes to light. After Nilsson discards Lo’s worries, she seeks more solid evidence, showing resilience and determination against all odds. As Nilsson gaslights Lo condescendingly, an insight into his character is displayed.
“And they would have got away with it, if I—frightened and traumatized from the burglary—hadn’t heard the splash and jumped to a conclusion that was so wrong, it was almost completely right.”
Lo recounts her experience on the night she heard a body thrown overboard; Part 6, Chapter 26.
This quote is from a flashback. Recounting her experience of hearing a large splash that led to her belief of a body thrown overboard, Lo realizes she would have missed the event if she had been soundly asleep. Although she misunderstood the situation, she was not far from the truth.
Deeply affected by her recent trauma from a burglary, her judgment and perception become flawed throughout the novel. This quote explains Lo’s vulnerability. Although she faces opposition from different people onboard, she remains determined. Lo’s conclusion, although initially incorrect, drives her to investigate further, unraveling the true nature of the events on the cruise. The first-person narrative gives direct details of Lo’s feelings and thoughts.
“But I don’t think it’s as simple as that. The depression I fell into after university wasn’t about exams and self-worth, it was something stranger, more chemical, something that no talking cure was going to fix.”
Lo has a flashback to when her depression started; Part 4, Chapter 15.
This quote originates from flashbacks. Here, Lo thinks about her past experiences with mental issues. She explains that her depression started after university, even when she had a happy childhood. At the time of this reflection, Lo is devastated by the aftermath of a traumatic event she witnessed andHer existing depression compounds her mental struggles.
By acknowledging the biochemical nature of depression, Lo proves to be a complex and self-aware character. Understanding Lo’s mental state helps the reader appreciate her character. Her anxiety and depression affect how she reacts to events on and off the yacht.
The phrase “something stranger, more chemical” explains the complications of her depression using metaphor. By contrasting her depression with common explanations like “exams and self-worth,” the quote explains the seriousness of her condition.
“Are you saying that Nilsson threw doubt on your story because you take medication for depression?”
Richard to Lo when she talks about Carrie’s death on the yacht; Part 5, Chapter 20.
This quote is from conversations with other characters. In chapter 20, It is made by Richard Bullmer to Lo while on the yacht. After Lo reports Carrie’s disappearance, Nilsson dismisses her worries. She tells Richard about her discovery, and he asks questions for clarity.
The quote signifies one of the major dilemmas in the story: the struggle for the protagonist to be believed.
It also addresses the theme of depression and psychological trauma. The prejudice associated with mental health issues comes to light as Lo’s credibility gets undermined.
The quote moves the plot by putting Lo in a position where she must fight against the biases around her.
Perception
“I jumped to a conclusion that was so wrong, it was almost completely right.”
Lo flashes back to her efforts in unraveling the mystery on the yacht; Part 6, Chapter 26.
This quote is created after a flashback. Lo Blacklock thinks about the mystery surrounding a missing woman on the yacht. She initially concludes based on false evidence but is led to the truth unexpectedly.
The quote marks a point where Lo thinks about her investigation. It also addresses the theme of perception as it explains the distortion of the truth by personal biases.
Lo’s wrong conclusion ironically takes her closer to the truth. This irony heightens the suspense and keeps readers engaged. Additionally, the phrase “almost completely right” contrasts opposites, highlighting how Lo navigates the truth and the lie.
“Was it possible that all this time I had been looking for an accomplice—a perpetrator among the crew or passengers—and they’d been innocent all along? I thought of the accusations I’d hurled at Ben, the suspicions I’d had of Cole, of Nilsson, of everyone, and I felt sick.”
Lo’s thoughts as she suspects many passengers who are innocent; Part 6, Chapter 23.
This is yet another thought of Lo Blacklock. While investigating the mysterious disappearance of a woman she believes was in cabin 10, she suspects many crew members as perpetrators of the crime. Eventually, she considers the possibility that her suspicions are wrong.
The realization that Lo may have judged innocent people wrongly presents the theme of perception versus reality. The moment signifies a point in the story, where Lo struggles with the guilt and doubt about her judgment and actions, realizing the potential consequences of her accusations.
The internal monologue provides knowledge of Lo’s thoughts and emotions. The irony contrasts her earlier certainty with her current doubt. This moment adds to the suspense, as Lo’s narration is now second-guessed.
“It was the graphic illustration of the gap between the haves and have-nots that made me feel uncomfortable, a modern upstairs-downstairs in action.”
Lo is shocked when she sees the staff cabins and thinks about the unfair treatment; Part 3, Chapter 12.
This quote comes from Lo’s thoughts. It occurs when Lo searches for the missing woman on the yacht. Lo feels uneasy about the difference in the rooms of the guests and staff. While the guest rooms have an extravagant display of wealth, the staff quarters are cramped and hotter. As a travel journalist, she is sensitive to social inequalities displayed during the cruise.
Lo’s discomfort with the obvious social stratification reveals her empathy and social awareness. As an empathic woman, she goes out of her way to look out for even strangers. Again, the quote highlights the theme of perception versus reality.
The comparison to a “modern upstairs-downstairs” scenario is a metaphor that depicts class disparities and enriches the narrative. The vivid illustration elicits visual imagery that helps the reader picture the contrast between the two groups.
“There was nothing from Judah. I felt my shoulders slump.”
Lo’s thoughts on Judah’s silence while she is on the yacht; Part 2, Chapter 6.
This quote is a thought of Lo. Lo and her boyfriend, Judah Lewis, fight before she boards the Aurora Borealis. Believing he is still mad about it and refuses to reach out, she feels sad and lonely.
The slump of Lo’s shoulders when she finds no email from Judah shows her disappointment. However, she is wrong. Judah sends an email to her earlier, but the poor network on the yacht prevents her from receiving it. The quote also confirms Judah’s suspicions. In his email, he states that he does not want her to think his silence is because of anger.
While Lo believes Judah stopped to communicating because she refused to move in with him, Judah reached out earlier. The phrase “I felt my shoulders slump” is a clear description of Lo’s reaction to her emotional distress. The tone is also one of despair and frustration.
