# I: The Dark Continent explained — Dick Sands, the Boy Captain

> Chapter companion for Dick Sands, the Boy Captain by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The chapter provides a historical overview of the slave trade, its origins in the 15th century, its expansion and eventual abolition movements, and the continued illicit trade in Central Africa. It then focuses on Dick Sands' realization that the Pilgrim has stranded on the coast of Angola, a region rife with slave trafficking, and the dire situation he and his companions face.

## Themes in this chapter

### Slavery and Human Trafficking

The chapter extensively details the history, persistence, and horrors of the slave trade, setting the context for the characters' peril.

### Colonialism and Exploration

Discusses European colonial exploitation and the exploration of Africa by figures like Livingstone and Stanley.

### Survival and Self-Reliance

Dick Sands must rely on his own knowledge and resourcefulness to navigate the deadly environment of Angola.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Sands

Realizes they are in Africa, specifically Angola, and comprehends the grave danger from slave traders.

### Mrs. Weldon

Exhausted and anxious, she is under Dick's charge in the perilous region.

### Jack Weldon

Half-dying child, adding to the urgency of the situation.

### Tom

One of the negroes with the group, who would be a tempting target for slave-drivers.

### Hercules

Part of the band of negroes with Dick, vulnerable to capture.

### Negoro

Implied as the criminal hand that may have sabotaged the Pilgrim's course, though not directly named in this chapter.

## Key lines

> The “slave-trade” is an expression that ought never to have found its way into any human language.

The term 'slave-trade' should never have been part of human vocabulary.

_Opening condemnation of the slave trade._

> We are in Africa! in the very haunt of slave-drivers!

We have landed in Africa, the heartland of slave traders.

_Dick Sands' horrified realization of their location._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-dark-continent
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters