# XXII: The White Flag explained — Swallows and Amazons

> Chapter companion for Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome.

## What happens

The Swallows celebrate Titty's capture of the Amazon. They see a white flag raised on Wild Cat Island and accept the Amazons' surrender. The Amazons reveal they have permission to camp on the island starting the next day and must return home before breakfast. The two crews reconcile and prepare to share the camp.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Imagination

The children's imaginative play reaches a climax with the capture of the Amazon, the raising of a white flag, and the formal surrender, all conducted with pirate-like ceremony.

### Conflict and Resolution

The war between the Swallows and Amazons ends peacefully with a white flag and mutual respect, leading to reconciliation and plans for shared camping.

### Friendship and Alliance

Despite the conflict, both crews quickly shift to cooperation, with the Amazons helping to beach the boats and everyone preparing to share the island camp.

## Character check-ins

### John Walker

Captain John celebrates Titty's capture of the Amazon, takes command of the prize, and negotiates the Amazons' surrender.

### Titty Walker

Able-seaman Titty captures the Amazon single-handedly, sails her back to Wild Cat Island, and is praised by both crews.

### Susan Walker

Mate Susan helps secure the Amazon, sails Swallow, and begins unloading supplies at the camp.

### Roger Walker

The Boy Roger wakes up during the excitement, helps with the painter, and reports the Amazons' fire at camp.

### Nancy Blackett

Captain Nancy surrenders, praises Titty's feat, and explains the Amazons' urgent need to return home before breakfast.

### Peggy Blackett

Peggy helps pull Swallow ashore and joins in the hurried explanation about their plans and the need to get home.

## Key lines

> Captain John let loose a hurrah that startled even himself and woke the sleeping Roger. 'Titty, Titty, how ever did you do it?' he said. 'Well done, Titty,' said Susan.

John shouted in excitement, waking Roger, and both he and Susan praised Titty for capturing the Amazon.

_The Swallows celebrate Titty's successful capture of the Amazon._

> A large blanket, flapping heavily in the wind, was being slowly hoisted up the lighthouse tree. ... 'It's a white flag,' said Titty. 'They're surrendering.'

The Amazons hoist a blanket as a white flag, signaling their surrender.

_The Amazons formally surrender to the Swallows._

> 'Captain Nancy,' he said, 'which ship is flagship?' Captain Nancy did not hesitate. 'Swallow is. And earned it.'

John asks Nancy which ship is the flagship, and she immediately acknowledges Swallow as the winner.

_Nancy concedes defeat and recognizes Swallow as the flagship._

> 'The real thing is,' said Captain Nancy, 'that we've got leave to come and camp on the island for a few days, beginning the day after tomorrow.'

Nancy reveals that they have permission to camp on Wild Cat Island starting the next day.

_The Amazons announce their plan to join the Swallows on the island._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/swallows_and_amazons_se/chapters/xxii-the-white-flag
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/swallows_and_amazons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/swallows_and_amazons_se/chapters