Through the Brazilian Wilderness · Chapter
II: Up the Paraguay explained
The chapter describes the expedition's departure from Asuncion and journey up the Paraguay River, with observations on the landscape, wildlife, settlements, and the cultural and historical context of Paraguay, including the legacy of the Je
What happens
The chapter describes the expedition's departure from Asuncion and journey up the Paraguay River, with observations on the landscape, wildlife, settlements, and the cultural and historical context of Paraguay, including the legacy of the Jesuits, the Guaraní language, and the region's potential for development.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Adventure
The expedition's ascent of the Paraguay River represents a classic journey into a largely unknown and developing region.
Cultural Encounter and Ethnography
Roosevelt observes the mixed heritage, language duality, and religious practices of the Paraguayan people, including the role of the Jesuits and the Guaraní language.
Nature and Wildlife
Detailed descriptions of the river's wildlife, including flamingoes, spoonbills, caymans, and the piranha, as well as the insect plagues of the Chaco.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Roosevelt
Narrator and leader of the expedition, observing the river journey and local conditions.
- Father Zahm
Baptizes two children at a Paraguayan hamlet and engages in religious discussions.
- George K. Cherrie
Reported on the severe insect torment experienced during collecting work in the Chaco.
- Leo E. Miller
Collected specimens in the Chaco alongside Cherrie, suffering from insect plagues.
- Elwin R. Sanborn
Mentioned as part of the expedition's scientific team, though not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“On the afternoon of December 9 we left the attractive and picturesque city of Asuncion to ascend the Paraguay.”
The expedition departed from Asuncion on December 9 to travel up the Paraguay River.
Marks the official start of the river journey.
“The Jesuits then took practically complete possession of what is now Paraguay, controlling and Christianizing the Indians, and raising their flourishing missions to a pitch of prosperity they never elsewhere achieved.”
The Jesuits once dominated Paraguay, converting and managing the indigenous population with great success.
Historical context on Jesuit influence in Paraguay.
“The worst animal foes of man, indeed the only dangerous foes, are insects; and this is especially true in the tropics.”
Insects are the most dangerous animal enemies of humans, particularly in tropical regions.
Roosevelt's reflection on the threat of insects in the tropics.