# XXXIII explained — The Survivors of the Chancellor

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

## What happens

From December 18th to 20th, the raft experiences favorable winds and rough seas, prompting the carpenter to build a protective wall. Sailors gather sargassos for their saccharine juice to relieve thirst. Curtis notices secretive meetings among Owen, Burke, Flaypole, Wilson, and Jynxstrop, raising suspicions. Lieutenant Walter's health deteriorates from consumption, and Miss Herbey selflessly shares her water ration. On the 20th, Owen confronts Curtis about the brandy keg, demanding daily grog, but Curtis firmly refuses, vowing to throw it overboard rather than comply.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Sacrifice

Miss Herbey sacrifices her own water ration for Lieutenant Walter, highlighting the theme of self-sacrifice for survival.

### Leadership and Authority

Curtis maintains order by refusing the sailors' demand for brandy, asserting his authority despite potential mutiny.

### Hope and Despair

The becalmed raft and Lieutenant Walter's declining health evoke despair, while the sailors' secret meetings hint at hope for change through rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Curtis

Notices secret meetings among sailors and firmly refuses Owen's demand for brandy, asserting his authority.

### Mr. Kazallon

Observes the sailors' suspicious behavior and discusses the brandy refusal with Curtis.

### Miss Herbey

Selflessly reserves her water share for Lieutenant Walter and expresses concern for his health.

### Walter

Suffers from intermittent fever and consumption, growing weaker each day.

### Owen

Leads a group of sailors in secret meetings and confronts Curtis about the brandy keg.

### Jynxstrop

Participates in secret conversations with Owen and other sailors, arousing suspicion.

## Key lines

> I advised my companions to chew the laminary tangles, which they would find contained a saccharine juice, affording considerable relief to their parched lips and throats.

Kazallon suggests chewing seaweed for its sweet juice to ease thirst.

_Demonstrates practical survival knowledge._

> When I mentioned the matter to Curtis I found he had already noticed these secret interviews, and that they had given him enough concern to make him determined to keep a strict eye upon Jynxstrop and Owen, who, rascals as they were themselves, were evidently trying to disaffect their mates.

Curtis is already aware of the sailors' secret meetings and plans to watch Owen and Jynxstrop closely.

_Highlights Curtis's vigilance and the brewing mutiny._

> Right! he cried, to be sure I have. Allow those men to have brandy! I would throw it all overboard first.

Curtis insists he was right to refuse the brandy, saying he would rather dump it than give in.

_Emphasizes Curtis's firm leadership and refusal to compromise._

## Links

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