The Survivors of the Chancellor · Chapter
XXXIX explained
The survivors on the raft face extreme hunger and despair.
What happens
The survivors on the raft face extreme hunger and despair. Miss Herbey asks Kazallon to throw her body into the sea if she dies first. M. Letourneur reveals he has been saving his own biscuit rations for his son André, and enlists Kazallon to secretly give the food to André as if from himself.
Themes in this chapter
Fatherly Love and Devotion
M. Letourneur secretly starves himself for eight days to save his biscuit for his son André, demonstrating profound paternal sacrifice.
Hope and Despair
The survivors oscillate between moments of human kindness and overwhelming despair as hunger threatens their lives.
Survival and Sacrifice
Kazallon resists the temptation to eat the biscuit meant for André, and Miss Herbey prepares for death with a grim request.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Kazallon
Narrator; struggles with hunger and guilt, agrees to help M. Letourneur by secretly giving biscuit to André.
- André Letourneur
Saved Kazallon's life earlier; weak from hunger, accepts the secret biscuit from Kazallon.
- M. Letourneur
Has secretly starved himself for eight days to save his share of biscuit for his son André.
- Miss Herbey
Remains courageous despite her weakened state; asks Kazallon to promise to throw her body into the sea if she dies.
- Hobart
Steward; seems to bear privation better than others, but Kazallon suspects him of insincerity and plans to watch him.
Key passages
“Do you thank me for that; Mr. Kazallon? he said; it has only served to prolong your misery.”
André Letourneur downplays his rescue of Kazallon, saying it only delays inevitable suffering.
Reflects the despair and futility felt by the survivors.
“Promise me that, if I do, you will throw my body into the sea.”
Miss Herbey asks Kazallon to ensure her body is not left on the raft after death.
Highlights her fear of being devoured or left to rot, and her practical courage.
“I have been saving my share for my son.”
M. Letourneur reveals he has not eaten for eight days, giving his rations to André.
Emblematic of the theme of fatherly love and sacrifice.