The Coral Island · Chapter
XX explained
After a battle, the boys interact with the native savages, prevent cannibalism, help bury the dead, and host the survivors.
What happens
After a battle, the boys interact with the native savages, prevent cannibalism, help bury the dead, and host the survivors. They learn the names Tararo and Avatea, assist in repairing the canoe, and bid farewell to the natives, who depart, leaving the boys alone again on the Coral Island.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Civilization
The boys impose their moral codes (e.g., preventing cannibalism) and attempt to 'civilize' the natives through example and gifts.
Friendship and Loyalty
The boys work together to host the natives and ensure peaceful relations.
Savagery vs. Civilization
The contrast between the natives' cannibalistic tendencies and the boys' efforts to enforce civilized behavior is highlighted.
Characters to notice
- Jack Martin
Leads interactions with the savages, prevents cannibalism, and orchestrates the burial of the slain.
- Peterkin Gay
Assists in hosting the natives and jokes about the naming ceremony.
- Ralph Rover
Observes and participates in the events, feeling sadness at the natives' departure.
- Tararo
The chief who communicates his name and accepts gifts from the boys.
- Avatea
A young woman who shows sadness at parting and participates in the nose-rubbing farewell.
Key passages
“After the battle was over, the savages crowded round us and gazed at us in surprise, while they continued to pour upon us a flood of questions, which, being wholly unintelligible, of course we could not answer.”
After the fight, the natives surrounded the boys, staring in amazement and asking many questions that the boys could not understand.
The language barrier is immediately apparent.
“Jack went up to the girl, who had never once moved from the rock where she had been left, but had continued an eager spectator of all that had passed.”
Jack approached the girl who had watched the entire battle from a rock without moving.
Avatea's passive observation is noted.
“We also found that the mother was beginning to recover slowly. “Here, get out o’ the way,” said Jack, pushing us aside, as we stooped over the poor woman and endeavoured to restore her, “I’ll soon bring her round.” So saying, he placed the infant on her bosom and laid its warm cheek on hers. The effect was wonderful.”
Jack revived a mother by placing her baby on her chest, which quickly brought her back to consciousness.
Jack's practical compassion is demonstrated.
“The chief instantly understood him and said “Tararo,” twice, distinctly. Jack repeated it after him, and the chief, nodding his head approvingly, said “Chuck.” On hearing which, Peterkin exploded with laughter; but Jack turned and with a frown rebuked him, saying, “I must look even more indignantly at you than I feel, Peterkin, you rascal, for these fellows don’t like to be laughed at.””
The chief gave his name as Tararo, and when Jack repeated it, the chief said 'Chuck,' causing Peterkin to laugh, but Jack scolded him for mocking the natives.
Cultural sensitivity is emphasized.
“We knew at once that he intended to make use of this for food, and could not repress a cry of horror and disgust. “Come, come, you blackguard,” cried Jack, starting up and seizing the man by the arm, “pitch that into the hole. Do you hear?””
When a native cut flesh from a dead body for food, Jack intervened in horror and ordered him to throw it into the burial hole.
Cannibalism is prevented by Jack's forceful intervention.
“The only disagreeable part of the process was, when we came to rub noses with Mahine, and Peterkin afterwards said, that when he saw his wolfish eyes glaring so close to his face, he felt much more inclined to bang than to rub his nose.”
Peterkin found nose-rubbing with the hostile Mahine unpleasant, feeling more like hitting him than greeting him.
Mahine's animosity is noted.
