A High Wind in Jamaica · Character

John Dodson

A sailor or crew member on a ship.

minor

Also known as John Dodson, John

First appearance: viii

John Dodson shows up with force in I. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Older than Emily, he dives properly at the bathing pool and joins Emily in scaring negroes with duppy stories.

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In I: Older than Emily, he dives properly at the bathing pool and joins Emily in scaring negroes with duppy stories. Later, in II: Sits…

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

This is the story’s dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible moral collapse of the children’s innocen…

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John Dodson appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Older than Emily, he dives properly at the bathing pool and joins Emily in scaring negroes with duppy stories.
II
Sits naked on the bank making a wicker trap while Emily explores.
III
Catches Emily's excitement, turns head over heels on the sand, swims after her, and later tells disproportionate stories about Ferndale's importance.
IV
Chatters about ponies, leads the children in marching games, and sobs during the storm.
II
Described as the most sensitive, too full to speak.
III
Writes a letter home boasting of his feats on the ship.
I
Freckled, round, energetic; watches the monkey torture with horror and cannot look away.
II
One of the children; indignantly shouts from the deck-house after the first volley of musket fire.
IV
Tells the others to go to sleep and dismisses Rachel's theological concerns.
I
Decides he would not like to live in Santa Lucia; is pushed to weigh goods at the auction.
II
Falls from the warehouse doorway and dies; his name is never spoken again.

Chapter companion notes

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