# XX: The Keeper of the Lagoon explained — The Blue Lagoon

> Chapter companion for The Blue Lagoon by H. de Vere Stacpoole.

## What happens

Dick ventures into the less damaged part of the woods to gather bananas, but upon returning to the beach he sees Emmeline adrift in the lagoon. He swims out to rescue her, but a shark—described as the ancient, predatory spirit of the lagoon—closes in. Emmeline's desperate throw of a scull distracts the shark, allowing Dick to reach the boat safely, though the scull is lost.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Survival

The shark's solitary reign over the lagoon and the children's narrow escape highlight the constant struggle for survival in an isolated environment.

### The Sublime and Terrible Nature

The shark is portrayed as an ancient, soulless force of nature—both beautiful and terrifying—embodying the sublime and terrible aspects of the natural world.

## Character check-ins

### Dick

Swims to rescue Emmeline after she becomes adrift; nearly attacked by a shark.

### Emmeline

Drifts helplessly in the lagoon; throws a scull to distract the shark and save Dick.

## Key lines

> Forty years ago he had floated adrift on the sea in the form and likeness of a small shabby pine-cone, a prey to anything that might find him.

The shark began its life as a tiny, vulnerable pine-cone-like creature drifting in the ocean.

_Describes the shark's origins and its long history of survival._

> He was the spirit of the lagoon.

The shark embodied the essence and power of the lagoon itself.

_Elevates the shark to a symbolic, almost mythical status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters/part-ii-xx-the-keeper-of-the-lagoon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters