# Chapter II explained — An Outcast of the Islands

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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