The Coral Island · Chapter
Conclusion explained
The boys depart from the island of Mango, reflecting on the nature of parting and the lessons it teaches.
What happens
The boys depart from the island of Mango, reflecting on the nature of parting and the lessons it teaches. They recount the missionary's story of his arrival and the conversion of Tararo and his people. After Avatea's marriage, the boys decide to delay no longer and set sail for home, bidding farewell to the missionary and the natives.
Themes in this chapter
Christianity and Morality
The missionary's success in converting Tararo and the emphasis on spreading the gospel highlight the theme of Christian morality.
Friendship and Loyalty
The boys' bond and their joint decision to return home underscore their loyalty to each other.
Providence and Fate
The missionary's providential arrival at Mango and the boys' homeward journey reflect themes of fate and divine guidance.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Rover
Narrates the departure from Mango and the reflections on parting.
- Jack Martin
Participates in the consultation about delaying departure.
- Peterkin Gay
Participates in the consultation about delaying departure.
- Missionary
Bids the boys farewell and recounts his arrival and conversion of Tararo.
- Tararo
Converted to Christianity and persuaded his people to do likewise.
- Avatea
Married and sent away with presents and a native teacher.
Key passages
“To part is the lot of all mankind. The world is a scene of constant leave-taking, and the hands that grasp in cordial greeting today, are doomed ere long to unite for the last time, when the quivering lips pronounce the word—'Farewell.'”
Everyone must experience separation; life is full of goodbyes, and today's friendly handshake may be the last before a final farewell.
Reflection on the inevitability of parting.
“He proved himself to be sincere, for, as we have seen, he persuaded all his people to do likewise. I use the word persuaded advisedly; for, like all the other Fiji chiefs, Tararo was a despot and might have commanded obedience to his wishes; but he entered so readily into the spirit of the new faith that he perceived at once the impropriety of using constraint in the propagation of it.”
Tararo showed his sincerity by convincing his people to convert through persuasion rather than force, understanding that the new faith should not be imposed.
Tararo's conversion method contrasts with typical despotic rule.