# Book II: The Ancient Times explained — Penguin Island

> Chapter companion for Penguin Island by Anatole France.

## What happens

This chapter recounts the early history of Penguinia, from the baptism of the penguins by Saint Maël to their transformation into humans and the establishment of property and social order, including the first murder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Origin of Property and Social Order

The chapter explores the establishment of property rights and social structures following the penguins' transformation into humans.

### Satire of Religion

The baptism of penguins and the divine intervention parody religious rituals and theological debates.

## Character check-ins

### Saint Maël

The missionary who baptizes the penguins and initiates their transformation.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator who recounts the ancient times of Penguinia.

## Key lines

> Book II The Ancient Times

The second book covers the primordial era of Penguinia.

_This is the opening of the chapter, setting the stage for the ancient history._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/book-ii-the-ancient-times
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters