An Outcast of the Islands · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Almayer orchestrates Joanna Willems' escape, ensuring she has time to flee before Lingard returns.
What happens
Almayer orchestrates Joanna Willems' escape, ensuring she has time to flee before Lingard returns. He then deals with Mahmat, who refuses a river journey, confirming his suspicions about the man's intentions. Later, Almayer watches over his sleeping daughter Nina, dreaming of a glorious future for her.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Trust
Almayer's secretive actions and Mahmat's hidden intentions highlight themes of deception and mistrust among characters.
Illusion of Control and Fate
Almayer believes he can control events by aiding Joanna's escape and planning Nina's future, but his plans are fragile and subject to unforeseen forces.
Colonialism and Racial Hierarchy
The power dynamics between Almayer (white trader) and Mahmat (Malay laborer) illustrate colonial hierarchies and the underlying tensions.
Characters to notice
- Almayer
Almayer orchestrates Joanna's escape, tests Mahmat's loyalty, and dreams of a bright future for his daughter Nina.
- Joanna
Joanna is urged by Almayer to flee quickly through the broken fence, with the promise of secrecy.
- Ali
Ali is sent to fetch Mahmat and later searches for Almayer, who is hiding to give Joanna time.
- Mahmat Banjer
Mahmat refuses Almayer's offer to go upriver, hinting at a planned departure, and secretly vows to burn Almayer's property if evicted.
- Nina Almayer
Nina is seen sleeping in her cot, the object of Almayer's tender and ambitious dreams for her future.
Key passages
“All’s well! muttered Almayer to himself, taking some loose Java tobacco from a drawer in the table. Now if anything comes out I am clear. I asked the man to go up the river. I urged him. He will say so himself. Good.”
Almayer reassures himself that he has covered his tracks by urging Willems to go upriver, so he can deny involvement if questioned.
Almayer's self-justification reveals his cunning and fear of being implicated in Willems' fate.
“He would do it! He would do it. He would! He would—for that child!”
Almayer resolves to achieve great things for his daughter Nina, driven by love and ambition.
This moment shows Almayer's deep devotion to Nina and his dreams of a splendid future for her.