Swallows and Amazons · Chapter
The Parley explained
The Swallows and Amazons meet for a formal parley on Wild Cat Island.
What happens
The Swallows and Amazons meet for a formal parley on Wild Cat Island. After initial posturing and negotiation, they agree to a treaty of offense and defense against common enemies, especially Captain Flint, while reserving the right to fight each other. The treaty is written and signed, and the two crews begin to establish friendly relations.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Alliance
The central event of the chapter is the formation of an alliance between the Swallows and Amazons, overcoming initial hostility through negotiation and a written treaty.
Conflict and Resolution
The parley resolves the conflict over Wild Cat Island, transitioning from enemies to allies while allowing for future friendly competition.
Honor and Rules
The children adhere to the rules of parley and treaty-making, showing respect for formal agreements and the codes of their imaginative world.
Characters to notice
- John Walker
Captain John leads the Swallows in the parley, formally introduces himself, and signs the treaty as 'John Walker, Master.'
- Susan Walker
Mate Susan suggests sitting down to ease tension and offers to warm tea, acting as a peacemaker.
- Titty Walker
Able-seaman Titty questions the Amazons about their uncle, suggests the treaty be called a 'treaty of offence and defence,' and provides paper from her log.
- Roger Walker
Ship's boy Roger retrieves the Swallow's flag from the harbour and returns the Amazons' knife.
- Nancy Blackett
Captain Nancy leads the Amazons, proposes the alliance, writes the treaty, and signs as 'Nancy Blackett, Amazon Pirate.'
- Peggy Blackett
Mate Peggy chatters about their plans and reveals Nancy's real name is Ruth, earning a scolding.
- Captain Flint
Referred to as Uncle Jim and Captain Flint, he is the common enemy of both crews, described as a retired pirate and a native stirrer.
Key passages
“It is much more difficult to be fierce sitting down than standing up.”
Being seated makes it harder to maintain an aggressive posture.
Susan's practical observation helps defuse the tension during the parley.
“Let's be allies, then it won't matter who the island belongs to.”
If we become allies, ownership of the island becomes irrelevant.
Nancy proposes a solution that sidesteps the territorial dispute.
“I propose an alliance. ... But we want the sort of alliance that will let us fight each other if we want to.”
Nancy suggests an alliance that still allows for future battles between them.
The children want both cooperation and the freedom for playful conflict.