# XIX explained — Sailing Alone Around the World

> Chapter companion for Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.

## What happens

The Spray arrives at St. Helena, where Captain Slocum is welcomed by Governor Sterndale. He gives lectures, stays in a haunted room at Plantation House, and visits Longwood, Napoleon's exile home. After leaving St. Helena, he stops at Ascension Island, where he is entertained by Captain Blaxland and visits the summit with Mr. Schank. The chapter concludes with a formal inspection proving the Spray sailed with only one person aboard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hospitality and Human Connection

Governor Sterndale and Captain Blaxland extend generous hospitality to Slocum, reflecting the warmth of human connections during his voyage.

### Reflection and Philosophy

Slocum reflects on the tragedies of St. Helena and the contentment of the French family at Longwood, showing philosophical musings.

### Cultural Encounter and Observation

Observations of island life, from the governor's residence to the farm on Ascension, highlight cultural encounters.

## Character check-ins

### Spray

Anchors at Jamestown, St. Helena, and later at Ascension Island; undergoes fumigation to prove single-handed voyage.

### Captain Joshua Slocum

Delivers lectures, stays at Plantation House, visits Longwood, and continues voyage to Ascension Island.

### Mr. Poole

Consul at St. Helena, introduces Slocum at the castle and later visits the Spray with his daughter.

### Captain Blaxland

Commander of Ascension Island, invites Slocum to luncheon and provides hospitality.

### Mr. Schank

Canadian farmer on Ascension Island, shows Slocum the farm and discusses the challenges of raising livestock.

## Key lines

> His Excellency, when I landed, remarked that it was not often, nowadays, that a circumnavigator came his way, and he cordially welcomed me

The governor noted that circumnavigators were rare visitors and gave me a warm welcome.

_Shows the rarity of Slocum's achievement and the governor's hospitality._

> I kept the candle burning, and often looked from under the blankets, thinking that maybe I should meet the great Napoleon face to face; but I saw only furniture

I stayed awake with a candle, half-expecting to see Napoleon's ghost, but only saw the room's contents.

_Highlights the haunted room experience and Slocum's playful imagination._

> It is said that, since hanging for trivial offenses went out of fashion, no one has died there, except from falling over the cliffs in old age, or from being crushed by stones rolling on them from the steep mountains!

The island is so safe that the only deaths are from accidents like falls or falling rocks.

_Emphasizes the island's tranquility and lack of crime._

> I felt a contentment in knowing that the Spray had encircled the globe, and even as an adventure alone I was in no way discouraged as to its utility, and said to myself, 'Let what will happen, the voyage is now on record.'

I was satisfied that the Spray had circled the globe, and regardless of the outcome, the voyage was now documented.

_Reflects Slocum's sense of accomplishment and closure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters/xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters