# Chapter XVIII explained — The Swiss Family Robinson

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

## What happens

The family discovers manioc roots, which the father identifies as a potential source of cassava bread. They also retrieve clothing chests, a hand-mill, and other supplies from the raft. The mother reveals a cask of wine washed ashore, which they enjoy in moderation. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the best use of a tortoise shell, with Fritz's plan for a water-tub being praised for its general benefit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Industry

The family demonstrates resourcefulness by identifying manioc, using a tortoise shell as a water-tub, and discovering clay for practical use.

### Gratitude and Contentment

The family gives thanks to God for their meal and the wine, and finds contentment in their simple yet resourceful life.

### Providence and Faith

The father attributes the discovery of manioc and the wine cask to Providence, and the family returns thanks to God for their blessings.

## Character check-ins

### Father

Identifies the manioc roots, retrieves supplies from the raft, and leads the discussion on the tortoise shell's use.

### Mother

Prepares a meal, discovers and presents the cask of wine, and recounts Jack's clay discovery.

### Fritz

Asks about tortoise shell value and proposes using the shell as a water-tub for the general good.

### Ernest

Discovers the manioc roots by observing the sow, and later suggests soaking roots in the water-tub.

### Jack

Proposes a boat from the shell, discovers a clay bed, and brings clay balls home.

### Francis

Suggests using the tortoise shell as a roof for a little house.

## Key lines

> I am tolerably certain that these roots are manioc, of which the natives of the West Indies make a sort of bread or cake which they call cassave.

The father believes the roots are manioc, used by West Indian natives to make cassava bread.

_Father identifies the manioc roots._

> I replied, that in our deserted situation the utility of a thing formed its greatest, and indeed only value.

The father explains that in their situation, usefulness is the only measure of value.

_Father's pragmatic philosophy on value._

> This is what I call thinking for the general good.

The father praises Fritz's idea as being for the benefit of everyone.

_Father commends Fritz's selfless plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters