# LXXVI explained — Roughing It

> Chapter companion for Roughing It by Mark Twain.

## What happens

The narrator recounts a horseback journey around the island of Hawaii, describing the peculiar habits of Kanaka horses that stop at every house to swap news, a reminiscence of a humiliating carriage ride with a young lady, and various scenic wonders including a waterfall, horses that chew water, and the majestic Haleakala volcano. The chapter concludes with a return to Honolulu, a visit to Maui, and a vivid description of the Iao Valley and the sunrise from Haleakala's summit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humor and Exaggeration

The narrator uses humorous exaggeration to describe the Kanaka horses' habit of stopping at every house, the horses that chew water, and his own past humiliation with a milk-wagon horse.

### Colonialism and Cultural Change

The chapter reflects on the impact of Western exploration and settlement in Hawaii, including references to Captain Cook and the use of American survey data.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Describes his horseback trip around Hawaii, his past humiliation with a milk-wagon horse, and his reflections on the scenery.

## Key lines

> We rode horseback all around the island of Hawaii (the crooked road making the distance two hundred miles), and enjoyed the journey very much.

We traveled on horseback around the entire island of Hawaii, a winding route of about two hundred miles, and found the trip quite enjoyable.

_Opening of the chapter, setting the scene for the journey._

> I still remember, with a sense of indolent luxury, a picnicking excursion up a romantic gorge there, called the Iao Valley.

I fondly recall a leisurely picnic trip up a picturesque gorge named Iao Valley on Maui.

_Describes a pleasant memory from the visit to Maui._

> It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.

That was the most magnificent sight I have ever seen, and I believe I will never forget it.

_Reflects on the sunrise from Haleakala's summit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters/lxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters