The Survivors of the Chancellor · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
The survivors on the raft endure extreme starvation and desperation.
What happens
The survivors on the raft endure extreme starvation and desperation. A mutiny led by Owen and Jynxstrop erupts, fueled by drunkenness from a broken brandy barrel. Curtis defends himself, and Wilson is killed in the struggle. The mutineers are subdued, but Owen's cynical remark about cannibalism halts Curtis from executing him.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Sacrifice
The survivors face starvation and violence, with Wilson's death and the mutiny highlighting the brutal lengths to which people go to survive.
Human Nature and Morality
Owen's cynical remark about cannibalism exposes the moral decay and raw instincts unleashed by extreme hunger.
Hope and Despair
Despite hopeless conditions, the narrator notes that hope does not entirely abandon their hearts, even as they face starvation and mutiny.
Characters to notice
- Robert Curtis
Defends himself against mutineers, kills Wilson accidentally, and spares Owen after his remark.
- André Letourneur
Saves Mr. Kazallon by tripping Jynxstrop during the fight.
- Mr. Kazallon
Narrates the chapter, joins Curtis's party, and is saved by André.
- Owen
Leads the mutiny, demands command, and is captured after Wilson's death.
- Jynxstrop
Participates in the mutiny, attacks Mr. Kazallon, and is tied to the mast.
- Dowlas
Suffers from hunger, fights mutineers, and helps subdue Owen.
Key passages
“More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor , and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”
Over three months have passed since leaving Charleston, and for twenty days the raft has drifted aimlessly.
Sets the time frame and the raft's helpless drift.
“On the 1st of January we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.”
On New Year's Day, they ate their final piece of biscuit.
Marks the beginning of total starvation.
“Owen and his men advanced towards us. The miserable wretches were all drunk, for during the night they had knocked a hole in the brandy-barrel, and had recklessly swallowed its contents.”
Owen and his followers, drunk from a broken brandy barrel, advanced threateningly.
Explains the cause of the mutiny.
“Oh, you want to eat me, do you?”
Owen sarcastically asks if they intend to cannibalize him.
Owen's remark halts Curtis's execution and foreshadows later desperation.