In Search of the Castaways · Chapter
A New Destination explained
After the failed search in Patagonia, Lord Glenarvan reassures the passengers of the Duncan that they will still find Captain Grant.
What happens
After the failed search in Patagonia, Lord Glenarvan reassures the passengers of the Duncan that they will still find Captain Grant. Paganel reinterprets the document to point to Australia, and after a council, the ship sets sail for Australia, with a planned stop at Tristan d'Acunha and Amsterdam islands.
Themes in this chapter
Perseverance and Hope
Despite the failed search in Patagonia, Glenarvan and the group remain determined to find Captain Grant, redirecting their efforts to Australia.
Exploration and Discovery
The chapter focuses on the reinterpretation of the document and the decision to explore new territories along the 37th parallel, including Australia and the islands.
Characters to notice
- Lord Glenarvan
Leads the expedition and reassures everyone of their continued search for Captain Grant.
- Jacques Paganel
Reinterprets the document to indicate Australia as the new destination.
- Robert Grant
Praised for his courage and devotion during the journey across the Pampas.
- Mary Grant
Experiences anguish and hope upon the return of the expedition.
- John Mangles
Shows attentions to Mary Grant and recounts the Duncan's voyage around Cape Horn.
- Major MacNabb
Suggests a final test of the document and a stop at Tristan d'Acunha and Amsterdam islands.
Key passages
“Courage, my friends, courage! Captain Grant is not with us, but we are sure to find him.”
Lord Glenarvan encourages the group to remain hopeful despite not finding Captain Grant, assuring them they will eventually succeed.
Glenarvan's first words upon returning to the ship, meant to lift spirits.
“I not only know Spanish, but Portuguese also. I speak two languages instead of one.”
Paganel jokes that his mistake in studying Spanish has actually taught him Portuguese as well.
Paganel's humorous reflection on his earlier error.