The Voyage of the Beagle · Chapter
Mauritius to England explained
Darwin describes the final leg of the Beagle's voyage, visiting Mauritius, St.
What happens
Darwin describes the final leg of the Beagle's voyage, visiting Mauritius, St. Helena, Ascension, and Brazil before returning to England. He reflects on the beauty of Mauritius, the history of vegetation changes on St. Helena, the volcanic geology of Ascension, and the horrors of slavery in Brazil. The chapter concludes with a retrospective on the entire voyage.
Themes in this chapter
Human Impact on Environment
Darwin discusses the extinction of land-shells on St. Helena due to the destruction of forests, and the introduction of rats, cats, and other species on Ascension.
Colonialism and Imperialism
Observations on the French character of Mauritius under English rule, the use of Indian convicts for public works, and the institution of slavery in Brazil.
Slavery and Human Rights
Darwin expresses strong condemnation of slavery in Brazil, calling it a 'land of slavery, and therefore of moral debasement.'
Characters to notice
- Professor Ehrenberg
Darwin notes that Professor Ehrenberg analyzed specimens from Ascension, finding them composed of organic matter including freshwater infusoria and siliceous plant tissues.
Key passages
“The whole island, with its sloping border and central mountains, was adorned with an air of perfect elegance: the scenery, if I may use such an expression, appeared to the sight harmonious.”
Darwin found Mauritius to be perfectly elegant and harmonious in its scenery.
Darwin's aesthetic appreciation of Mauritius.
“I feel glad that this happened in the land of the Brazilians, for I bear them no good will—a land also of slavery, and therefore of moral debasement.”
Darwin was glad to experience rudeness in Brazil because he held a negative view of the country due to its slavery.
Darwin's condemnation of slavery in Brazil.
“Where on the face of the earth can we find a spot, on which close investigation will not discover signs of that endless cycle of change, to which”
Darwin reflects that every place on Earth shows evidence of constant change.
Darwin's reflection on the universal cycle of change.