# XXXII explained — The Coral Island

> Chapter companion for The Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne.

## What happens

Jack, Ralph, and Peterkin, with the help of a missionary teacher, plan to rescue Avatea from the Mango savages and escape by canoe to a Christian island fifty miles away. Their plan is discovered when Tararo presents Avatea as a sacrifice, prompting Jack to defiantly seize her and challenge the natives. The teacher intervenes, and Tararo claims Jack's life but hesitates to kill him due to past gratitude.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Jack, Ralph, and Peterkin risk their lives and vessel to rescue Avatea, demonstrating deep loyalty and self-sacrifice.

### Christianity and Morality

The missionary advocates overcoming evil with good, and Jack references divine deliverance, highlighting Christian faith as a moral guide.

### Savagery vs. Civilization

The contrast between the 'heathen' practices of the Mango savages and the Christian values of the rescuers is central to the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Martin

Leads the rescue plan, defies Tararo by seizing Avatea and challenging the natives.

### Ralph Rover

Participates in the planning and is present during the confrontation.

### Peterkin Gay

Enthusiastically supports the plan, calling the missionary a 'regular brick'.

### Avatea

The Samoan girl to be rescued; she agrees to risk the voyage and speaks some English.

### Tararo

The chief who refuses to release Avatea and later presents her as a sacrifice, but spares Jack's life.

### Missionary

The teacher who devises the escape plan and intervenes to prevent violence.

## Key lines

> Friend, when I make up my mind to go through with a thing of importance, I can make any sacrifice.

Jack declares his willingness to sacrifice the schooner for the rescue mission.

_Shows Jack's determination and commitment to the plan._

> I too am not afraid to die in a good cause!

The missionary expresses his readiness to face death for the sake of Avatea's freedom.

_Highlights the missionary's courage and moral conviction._

> Come on, the whole nation of you, an ye like it, and do your worst!

Jack challenges the entire group of natives after seizing Avatea.

_Demonstrates Jack's reckless bravery and defiance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coral_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters