# XXVIII explained — The Survivors of the Chancellor

> Chapter companion for The Survivors of the Chancellor by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The Chancellor is sinking, and the raft is nearly complete. Mrs. Kear dies and is buried at sea, while Owen's ominous remark hints at future starvation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Sacrifice

The completion of the raft and Mrs. Kear's death underscore the desperate struggle for survival and the sacrifices made.

### Hope and Despair

Contrast between the calm fortitude of some and the despair of others, with Owen's remark foreshadowing deeper despair.

### Human Nature and Morality

Owen's callous comment about the corpse reveals the erosion of moral boundaries under extreme duress.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Curtis

Remains resolute and energetic, overseeing the raft's completion and maintaining order.

### M. Letourneur

Entirely absorbed in his son, showing paternal concern.

### André Letourneur

Exhibits calm Christian fortitude, thinking only of his father.

### Miss Herbey

Brave and composed, tending to Mrs. Kear with devoted care until her death.

### Mr. Falsten

Remains detached, occupying himself with writing figures and memoranda.

### Owen

Speaks ominously about the corpse being thrown away, hinting at future desperation.

## Key lines

> There goes a carcass that we shall be sorry we have thrown away!

Owen suggests that the dead body will be missed as a source of food.

_Foreshadows the extreme hunger and moral decay to come._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_survivors_of_the_chancellor_se/chapters/xxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_survivors_of_the_chancellor_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_survivors_of_the_chancellor_se/chapters