---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66defd093f8b4e9e69bde555"
title: "Tomorrow"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 12"
subject: "English"
book: "Kaliedoscope"
chapter: "Tomorrow"
chapter_slug: "tomorrow"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-tomorrow"
markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-tomorrow.md"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-22"
---

# Tomorrow
The chapter "Tomorrow" by Joseph Conrad revolves around Captain Hagberd, who is waiting for the return of his son Harry. The setting is a small seaport town called Colebrook, where Hagberd's eccentricity and obsession with his son’s anticipated return reflect themes of hope, delusion, and isolation.

## Knowledge Snapshot
| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Tomorrow |
| Pages | 39-70 |

## Chapter Summary
### Short Summary
Captain Hagberd is a retired seaman living in Colebrook, consumed by the belief that his son Harry, who went missing at sea, will return tomorrow. His delusions create a poignant narrative about hope amidst despair.

### Detailed Summary
In "Tomorrow", Joseph Conrad introduces Captain Hagberd, a figure shrouded in isolation and morbid hope. He has settled in Colebrook, a place where he does not belong, and is characterized by his worn sailcloth clothing and eccentric habits. The townspeople view him with a mix of ridicule and pity, especially regarding his obsessive search for his son Harry, who has been missing for many years.

Despite the loss, Hagberd continues to prepare for his son's return, convinced that Harry will come back tomorrow. His interactions with Bessie Carvil, the daughter of his blind tenant, hint at a relationship anchored in mutual understanding and affection but also reveal the depths of Hagberd's mental decline.

As the story unfolds, Hagberd's delusions blur the line between hope and madness, culminating in a vivid reflection on the nature of expectation and reality. His fixation on tomorrow provides a stark contrast to the dismal outcomes of his searches, leaving readers to navigate the complexities of human emotions and the societal perceptions of those who are different.

## Topic-Wise Explanation
### Joseph Conrad's Background
Joseph Conrad's background as a Polish-born writer and seafarer significantly influences his storytelling style, characterized by vivid atmospheres and deep explorations of human psychology.

### Captain Hagberd's Characteristics
Captain Hagberd is depicted as a deluded yet hopeful character, whose appearance and behavior highlight his estrangement from the community and his internal struggles.

### Hagberd's Anticipation
Hagberd’s anticipation for his son's return, marked by repeated emphasis on tomorrow, illustrates his psychological state and deep-seated desire for connection and redemption.

### The Role of Bessie Carvil
Bessie serves as both a confidante and a grounding presence for Hagberd, representing the intersection of compassion and skepticism toward his delusions.

### Harry Hagberd's Arrival
Harry’s long-anticipated return symbolizes a culmination of hope and the haunting nature of unfulfilled expectations within the narrative.

### Themes of Madness and Delusion
The story explores themes of madness and delusion, particularly how they manifest in Hagberd’s obsessive behavior, revealing the fragility of hope.

### The Contrast of Hope and Reality
The stark contrast between Hagberd’s hopeful delusions and the imposing reality of his situation underscores the broader themes of expectation versus fulfillment.

## Character Analysis
### Captain Hagberd
Captain Hagberd is portrayed as a hopeful yet delusional father, obsessively awaiting the return of his son, which highlights the emotional toll of loss and isolation.
### Miss Bessie Carvil
Bessie is a kind and supportive figure who navigates her own challenges while attempting to offer comfort to Captain Hagberd, embodying patience and compassion.

## Core Ideas
| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Delusion of Hope | Hagberd’s belief in his son’s imminent return reflects his deep emotional wounds and mental fragility. |

## Key Concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Isolation | The state of being separated from others, illustrated by Hagberd’s relationship with the community. |

## Important Points for Revision
* Captain Hagberd's background and his seafaring experiences.
* His obsessive behaviors and the symbolism of waiting for his son.
* The role of Bessie Carvil in providing a supportive yet critical perspective on Hagberd’s hopes.
* The themes of madness and delusion throughout the narrative.
* The contrasting views of hope and reality faced by characters in the story.
* The exploration of societal views on mental health and isolation.
* The impact of physical and emotional landscapes on character behavior.
* The continued search for identity and belonging by Captain Hagberd.
* How denial can serve as a coping mechanism for emotional trauma.

## Vocabulary and Glossary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Delusion | A belief held despite contradictory evidence, often a symptom of mental illness. |

## Practice Questions
### Short Answer Questions
1. What is Captain Hagberd waiting for?
2. How does Bessie Carvil respond to Hagberd's delusions?
3. What are the characteristics of Captain Hagberd?
4. How does the community perceive Captain Hagberd?
5. What themes are explored in "Tomorrow"?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the significance of delusion in Captain Hagberd’s character and its impact on his life.
2. Analyze the relationship between Captain Hagberd and Bessie Carvil, focusing on their interactions and emotional dynamics.
3. Examine how Joseph Conrad uses the setting of Colebrook to enhance the themes within the narrative.

## Related Concepts
* Obsession
* Isolation
* Mental health

## Source Attribution
| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66defd093f8b4e9e69bde555 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-tomorrow |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-tomorrow.md |