The Coral Island · Chapter
The Voyage to Mango and the Missionary's Tale explained
Ralph, Jack, and Peterkin sail the pirate schooner to the island of Mango, where they meet a native missionary teacher who recounts the history of his mission, including the conversion of the tribe and the brutal customs of the heathen chie
What happens
Ralph, Jack, and Peterkin sail the pirate schooner to the island of Mango, where they meet a native missionary teacher who recounts the history of his mission, including the conversion of the tribe and the brutal customs of the heathen chief Tararo.
Themes in this chapter
Christianity and Morality
The missionary's account highlights the transformative power of Christian faith and the conflict with heathen practices.
Adventure and Exploration
The boys' voyage to Mango and their daring plan to rescue Avatea reflect the spirit of adventure.
Savagery vs. Civilization
The contrast between the Christian village and the cannibalistic heathen tribes underscores this theme.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Rover
Narrates the voyage and reflects on the lessons of hardship and perseverance.
- Jack Martin
Leads the council of war and decides to approach the Christian village on Mango.
- Peterkin Gay
Dismisses danger with bravado and swaggers about the deck, acting as a 'man' under Jack's command.
- Missionary
The native teacher who boards the schooner and shares his story of converting the tribe and witnessing the burial of the old chief.
Key passages
“men do not know how much they are capable of doing till they try, and that we should never give way to despair in any undertaking, however difficult it may seem”
People often underestimate their own abilities until they attempt a task, and we should never lose hope in any endeavor, no matter how hard it appears.
Ralph reflects on the lessons learned from their hardships.
“before we have so resolved, it behoves us to look at it straight in the face, and examine into it, and walk round it; for if we flinch at a distant view, we’re sure to run away when the danger is near.”
Before making a decision, we must carefully consider the danger from all angles; if we shy away from it from afar, we will certainly flee when it is close.
Jack advises the group to assess the risks of their mission to Mango.
“I sprang up and embraced him, while I shed tears of joy. Then we made a fire, and burned the god to ashes”
I jumped up and hugged him, crying with happiness. Then we built a fire and burned the idol completely.
The missionary describes the moment the chief converted and destroyed his household god.