# II explained — The Arrow of Gold

> Chapter companion for The Arrow of Gold by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on his growing fascination with Doña Rita, contrasting her with her sister Therese. He recounts his first meeting with Rita, his doubts about her existence, and his realization of her profound charm. The chapter also details his involvement in a risky smuggling enterprise with Dominic, marked by a nighttime expedition and a conversation about their dangerous work and devotion to Rita.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

The narrator's growing infatuation with Rita is portrayed as a consuming force that transforms his perception of the world, turning his previous life into a 'drab world'.

### Illusion vs. Reality

The narrator's initial doubts about Rita's existence and the contrast between her and her sister highlight the theme of appearance versus reality.

## Character check-ins

### Doña Rita

The narrator engages in playful banter with her, and he becomes increasingly captivated by her charm, seeing her as life-giving and illuminating.

### Therese

Described as physically and temperamentally opposite to Rita, with a hard, earthenware-like quality and a smile that never reaches her eyes.

### Captain Blunt

Mentioned as the one who told Rita's story, with a strange and weird appearance, and a polite but incisive voice.

### Mills

Present during the first meeting, and the narrator trusts his belief in Rita's existence.

### Dominic

The narrator's companion in the smuggling enterprise, who shows respect and caution, and speaks of Rita with reverence.

## Key lines

> She likes young men. The younger the better.

Therese has a preference for younger men.

_Rita comments on her sister's amiability, which the narrator finds curious._

> It’s one of your characteristics, of course much more precious than in other people. You transmute the commonest traits into gold of your own; but after all there are no new names.

Your amiability is unique and precious, turning ordinary qualities into something extraordinary.

_The narrator compliments Rita's unique charm._

> I had never the presumption to think that it was special. Moreover, my head was in a whirl.

I didn't assume your kindness was meant for me personally; I was overwhelmed by the situation.

_The narrator explains his state of mind during their first meeting._

> The only fault you have, Señor, is being too generous with your money. In this world you must give sparingly.

Your only flaw is your excessive generosity; you should be more frugal.

_Dominic advises the narrator on managing resources._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_arrow_of_gold_se/chapters/part-iii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_arrow_of_gold_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_arrow_of_gold_se/chapters