# Chapter II explained — An Outcast of the Islands

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

## What happens

Almayer recounts to Lingard the events of the past five weeks, detailing how Willems and Abdulla orchestrated a coup in Sambir. Patalolo was forced to abdicate and seek pilgrimage, Lakamba assumed power, and a Dutch flag was raised. Almayer expresses his despair and anger at Lingard's absence, blaming him for the collapse of their position.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Trust

Willems betrays Lingard and Almayer by siding with Abdulla, leading to the collapse of Lingard's influence.

### Colonialism and Racial Hierarchy

The Dutch flag is raised as a symbol of colonial authority, and the white men (Willems, Lingard) manipulate local politics.

### Illusion of Control and Fate

Lingard's belief in his control over Sambir is shattered; Almayer feels helpless as events unfold beyond his control.

## Character check-ins

### Almayer

Narrates the coup to Lingard, expressing bitterness and helplessness.

### Captain Lingard

Returns to find his kingdom lost; listens to Almayer's account and mourns the loss of his ship.

### Willems

Leads the coup, lands at the Rajah's, hoists the Dutch flag, and acts as Abdulla's agent.

### Syed Abdulla

Arrives in Sambir, orchestrates the takeover, and hosts Patalolo on his ship.

### Rajah Patalolo

Forced to abdicate and go on pilgrimage; dies shortly after.

### Lakamba

Assumes power after Patalolo's abdication, supported by Abdulla.

## Key lines

> He would ask Abdulla to let him go. Then he abused Lakamba⁠—between sobs⁠—and you, a little. You prevented him from asking for a flag that would have been respected⁠—he was right there⁠—and now when his enemies were strong he was weak, and you were not there to help him.

Patalolo blamed Lingard for not allowing him to seek a protective flag, leaving him vulnerable to his enemies.

_Almayer recounts Patalolo's lament about Lingard's absence and the lack of a protective flag._

> I felt so frightfully lonely that I stole in and took the child out of her cot and brought her here into my hammock. If it hadn’t been for her I am sure I would have gone mad; I felt so utterly alone and helpless.

Almayer felt so isolated and desperate that he brought his daughter to his hammock for comfort.

_Almayer describes his emotional state during the night of the coup._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-iii-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