# Chapter II explained — An Outcast of the Islands

> Chapter companion for An Outcast of the Islands by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Babalatchi orchestrates a tense power play in Lakamba's campong, manipulating Aissa's violent impulses and old Omar's blindness to further his intrigue. The chapter culminates in Willems bursting into the enclosure carrying Aissa, as the sea breeze stirs the night and the community stirs with talk and suspicion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Passion and Obsession

Willems' frantic entry carrying Aissa and the raw energy of the scene underscore the consuming, violent passion that drives him.

### Betrayal and Trust

Babalatchi's manipulation of Omar and Aissa, and the underlying intrigue against Willems, highlight the fragile bonds of trust in this colonial outpost.

### Isolation and Outcast Status

Omar's blindness and helplessness, and the marginal position of Aissa as a woman in a male-dominated power structure, emphasize their isolation.

## Character check-ins

### Babalatchi

Orchestrates the intrigue, manipulates Aissa and Omar, and navigates Lakamba's court with calculated detachment.

### Aissa

Acts with fierce obedience to Babalatchi's command, then is carried by Willems into the house, her violent impulses central to the scene.

### Lakamba

The chief, half asleep and sulky, sits in his chair, blinking solemnly, while his followers play chess and await Babalatchi's return.

### Omar el Badavi

Blind and infirm, he lies on his carpet, moaning feebly, tormented by the commotion and unable to rise.

### Willems

Bursts into the enclosure carrying Aissa, his shout piercing the night, and disappears with her into the big house.

## Key lines

> Like an arrow, rapid and silent she flew down the enclosure, and disappeared through the gate of the courtyard.

She moved as swiftly and quietly as an arrow, darting across the enclosure and vanishing through the courtyard gate.

_Describes Aissa's sudden, obedient departure after Babalatchi releases her._

> The talk of camp fires, which speaks of bravery and cunning, of strange events and of far countries, of the news of yesterday and the news of tomorrow.

The conversations around the campfires cover tales of courage and trickery, exotic lands, and the latest gossip from past and future.

_Highlights the oral culture and storytelling tradition of the community._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters