The plot of Shutter Island unfolds over the course of four days in September 1954, and Lehane separates the chapters of his novel into sections labeled for each day. The first chapter kicks off the “Day 1” section of the novel and introduces readers to Edward “Teddy” Daniels, a U.S. Marshal who has been called out to investigate the disappearance Rachel Solando, of one of Ashecliffe’s resident patients. Teddy is a highly-decorated World War II veteran who has worked as a U.S. Marshal since the war. Despite his successful career, however, Teddy’s personal life is marked by tragedy. His experiences on the front lines of World War II continue to haunt him, but not as much as the death of his wife, Dolores, who died in a tragic fire two years prior.

Unfortunately for Teddy, the only way to get to Shutter Island is by ferry. Teddy has “never enjoyed being out on the water,” and this trip makes him seasick (11). Teddy’s tense ferry ride to Ashecliffe is softened by his interactions with his new partner and fellow U.