# Conclusion explained — The Coral Island

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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