# XXXVII explained — The Mysterious Island

> Chapter companion for The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The colonists return from Tabor Island with a feral castaway, whom they call the Unknown. Cyrus Smith believes the man's brutishness is due to prolonged solitude and vows to restore his reason. Through patient care and a test of freedom on Prospect Plateau, the Unknown weeps, showing the first sign of returning humanity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

The Unknown's journey from brutishness to tears symbolizes the potential for human redemption through compassion and community.

### Isolation and Longing for Home

The chapter explores how prolonged solitude can erode reason and humanity, as seen in the Unknown's condition.

## Character check-ins

### Cyrus Smith

Leads the effort to rehabilitate the Unknown, showing deep compassion and insight into the effects of isolation.

### Pencroff

Expresses doubt about the Unknown's potential for recovery, but participates in the experiment.

### Gideon Spilett

Observes the Unknown's condition and supports Smith's approach to rehabilitation.

### Herbert Brown

Recounts the incident at sea where the Unknown showed a glimmer of sailor instinct.

### Neb

Expresses joy at the return of the party and assists in the care of the Unknown.

## Key lines

> It is terrible to be all alone, my friends, and it is probable that solitude quickly overthrows reason, since you have found this poor being in such a condition.

Being alone for too long can drive a person mad, as we see in this poor man.

_Cyrus Smith explains the psychological impact of isolation._

> Ah! cried Smith, you will be a man again, since you weep!

Your tears prove you still have humanity left.

_Smith recognizes the Unknown's tears as a sign of returning reason._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters/xxxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters