The Cruise of the Alerte · Chapter
Homeward Bound explained
The chapter describes the journey home from Trinidad after the treasure hunt, including the decision to lay up the yacht in Port of Spain, the slow voyage with calms and squalls, the rationing of water, and the eventual arrival back at Trin
What happens
The chapter describes the journey home from Trinidad after the treasure hunt, including the decision to lay up the yacht in Port of Spain, the slow voyage with calms and squalls, the rationing of water, and the eventual arrival back at Trinidad. The narrator reflects on the disappointment of not finding treasure and the philosophical acceptance of their fate.
Themes in this chapter
Perseverance and Disappointment
The crew faces the disappointment of not finding treasure but philosophically accepts their situation, arguing that wealth would have made them miserable.
Adventure and Exploration
The chapter recounts the voyage home, including encounters with whales, calms, and squalls, and the crew's eagerness for further adventures.
Seamanship and Preparation
The narrator details navigation decisions, water rationing, and the handling of the yacht in shallow mud at Port of Spain.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Decides to lay up the Alerte in Port of Spain and reflects on the treasure hunt's outcome.
- Mr. Pursell
One of the last three crew members remaining; takes passage on the Royal Mail Steamer Dee.
- John Wright
One of the last three crew members remaining; helps dismantle and lay up the yacht.
- The Alerte
The yacht is laid up in Port of Spain after the voyage; its draught causes it to sink into the mud.
Key passages
“I had several reasons for laying up the yacht in the West Indies, instead of sailing her home.”
The narrator explains his practical reasons for keeping the yacht in Trinidad rather than returning it to England.
Reflects the decision to end the treasure hunt and prepare for possible future voyages.
“It was amusing to hear them argue, like the grape-loving fox in the fable, but in a more good-natured way, that we were far better off without the treasure.”
The crew joked that not finding the treasure was actually for the best, comparing themselves to the fox in Aesop's fable.
Highlights the theme of disappointment turned into philosophical acceptance.
“Do you still believe in the existence of the treasure? is a question that has been often put to me since my return.”
People frequently ask the narrator if he still thinks the treasure is real.
Shows the lingering mystery and the narrator's belief in the story's truth.