# The Discovery of Potatoes explained — The Swiss Family Robinson

> Chapter companion for The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.

## What happens

The family sets out on an expedition to Tent-House via a new route along Falcon's Stream, intending to retrieve geese, ducks, and lobsters. During the journey, Ernest discovers potato plants, leading to great joy and a sense of divine providence. The family harvests the potatoes and reflects on their gratitude, with the father quoting Psalm 107 to emphasize their blessings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gratitude and Contentment

The family's joy and thanks for the potato discovery, with the father quoting Psalm 107 to highlight divine provision.

### Education and Moral Instruction

Ernest teaches the others about potato botany, and the father uses the discovery to impart a lesson on gratitude and humility.

### Providence and Faith

The potato discovery is seen as a gift from God, reinforcing the family's faith and reliance on divine guidance.

## Character check-ins

### Father

Leads the expedition, praises Ernest's discovery, and quotes Psalm 107 to express gratitude.

### Fritz

Wears a tiger-cat-made belt and participates in the expedition.

### Jack

Eagerly digs up potatoes with the monkey, though initially envious of Ernest's discovery.

### Ernest

Discovers the potato plants and explains their botany to the family.

### Francis

Carries a bow and quiver, resembling Cupid; asks a naive question about potato fruit.

### Mother

Carries a butter-pot and scolds Jack for his envy, praising Ernest's observation.

## Key lines

> We have found a prize indeed, father, cried he at last, when he had recovered his voice; we have found some potato seed!

Ernest excitedly announces the discovery of potato plants.

_Ernest's discovery is a pivotal moment of hope and sustenance for the family._

> My children, said I, as we pursued our way, this discovery of the potatoes is one of inestimable value; it reminds me of a passage in the Bible...

The father uses the potato find to teach a lesson from Psalm 107 about God's provision.

_The father connects their fortune to divine providence, reinforcing the theme of faith._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters