# XVII: The Devil's Cask explained — The Blue Lagoon

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

## What happens

A whaling ship visits the island, causing Mr. Button to hide the children and stash their belongings. The ship leaves, but Emmeline's precious box is lost. Later, Dick discovers a hidden barrel of rum, which Mr. Button joyfully claims.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Survival

Mr. Button's fear of the whalemen and his efforts to protect the children highlight their isolated existence and the threat of outside contact.

### Innocence and Loss

Emmeline's distress over the lost box and her simple joy in making wreaths contrast with the harsh reality of their situation.

## Character check-ins

### Dick

Discovers the rum barrel and brings a sample to Mr. Button.

### Emmeline

Grieves the loss of her box and is fond of making flower wreaths.

### Mr. Button

Hides the children from the whaling ship and later rejoices at finding the rum.

## Key lines

> He hid the children under a large banyan, and told them not to stir or breathe till he came back, for the ship was 'the devil's own ship'; and if the men on board caught them they'd skin them alive and all.

Mr. Button concealed the children beneath a banyan tree, warning them to stay still and silent because the ship was evil and its crew would harm them.

_Shows Mr. Button's protective fear of outsiders._

> It was gone, and there was the end of the matter, and the beginning of great tribulation, that lasted Emmeline for a week.

The box was lost, causing Emmeline a week of intense sorrow.

_Highlights the emotional impact of the loss on Emmeline._

> Here have I been, time out of mind, sittin' on an ould empty bar'l, with me tongue hangin' down to me heels for the want of a drink, and it full of rum all the while!

Mr. Button exclaims that he had been sitting on a barrel he thought was empty, while it actually contained rum he desperately craved.

_Reveals Mr. Button's longing for alcohol and the irony of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters/part-iii-xvii-the-devil-s-cask
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blue_lagoon_se/chapters