Typee · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Typee by Herman Melville.
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Edition of 1892
This introduction provides a biographical overview of Herman Melville's early life, his decision to sail on the whaler Acushnet, and his eventual desertion in the Marquesas Islands, which led to the events of Typee. It discusses the publication history, critical reception, and the autobiographical nature of Melville's major works, including Typee, Omoo, Moby-Dick, and others. The introduction also addresses the restoration of previously omitted passages about missionaries, the authenticity of the character Toby (Richard T. Greene), and Melville's later literary decline.
Chapter 2
Typee
The narrator, Tommo, and his companion Toby desert their ship in the Marquesas Islands and venture into the interior, where they are captured by the Typee tribe. Tommo becomes increasingly fascinated and conflicted by the tribe's customs, including their apparent cannibalism, while forming a close bond with the native girl Fayaway and the chief Mehevi. The chapter explores themes of freedom, captivity, and the clash between civilized and primitive life.
Chapter 3
Chapter I
The narrator describes the hardships of six months at sea, longing for land, and the ship's deteriorating condition. He recounts the decision to sail to the Marquesas, reflecting on their mysterious and savage reputation. The chapter includes anecdotes about a missionary's wife among the natives and a visit from the king and queen of Nukuheva to an American warship.
Chapter 4
II
The narrator describes the languid voyage from the cruising grounds to the Marquesas, the sighting of Nukuheva, and the arrival in the bay where a French squadron is anchored. A drunken English pilot comes aboard, and the ship is surrounded by native canoes. The narrator observes the taboo excluding women from canoes, then witnesses a group of young Marquesan girls swimming out to the ship, boarding it, and engaging in lively, graceful dances that captivate the crew.
Chapter 5
Chapter III
The narrator describes the French occupation of the Marquesas in 1842, detailing the arrival of the squadron, the military displays intended to intimidate the natives, and the islanders' mixture of fear and hatred. He criticizes the French for their hypocritical pretenses of humanity while using overwhelming force against defenseless peoples, and recounts the shameless manipulation of King Mowanna. A digression relates the French seizure of Tahiti under Rear Admiral Du Petit Thouars, including the spirited resistance of Mrs. Pritchard, who refused to allow the British flag to be hauled down.
Chapter 6
State of Affairs Aboard the Ship
The narrator explains his decision to desert the Dolly due to the captain's tyranny, poor provisions, and the prospect of an unreasonably long voyage. He reflects on the reputation of the Typees as cannibals, recounts historical atrocities committed by Europeans against islanders, and describes the geography of the valleys and the hostility between tribes.
Chapter 7
V
The narrator resolves to escape the ship and plans his flight, considering the risks of capture and cannibals. He recruits Toby, a kindred spirit, and they agree to desert together when the starboard watch goes ashore.
Chapter 8
VI
The captain warns the starboard watch about the dangers of going ashore among the cannibals, but the men are determined to have their liberty. The narrator and Toby secretly plan to escape into the mountains, packing only essential items and concealing their intentions from their shipmates. They slip away during a rainstorm, navigate through thickets and ridges, and finally ascend to a high cliff overlooking Nukuheva Bay, feeling secure in their successful flight.
Chapter 9
VII
The narrator and Toby cross the mountain only to find a disappointing landscape of ridges and valleys instead of the expected bays. They inventory their meager supplies from the ship, finding mostly soaked bread and tobacco. After a sleepless night in a makeshift hut by a waterfall, they discover a breathtaking view of a lush valley, which they hope is the Typee valley. They build a shelter and endure a miserable, rainy night before waking to ration their remaining food.
Chapter 10
VIII
The narrator and Toby debate whether the valley before them belongs to the friendly Happar or the ferocious Typees. Despite the narrator's fears, Toby insists on descending. They attempt an alternate route through rugged terrain, suffering from hunger, thirst, and the narrator's lameness. After a night in a makeshift shelter, Toby persuades the narrator to descend into the valley, proposing to follow the streams as a guide.
Chapter 11
Perilous Passage of the Ravine—Descent into the Valley
The narrator and Toby continue their harrowing descent into the valley, facing treacherous terrain, hunger, and multiple waterfalls. They construct a hut for the night, struggle with injuries and exhaustion, and eventually find a way down a steep precipice using roots and ledges, with Toby's fearless leadership proving crucial.
Chapter 12
X
The narrator and Toby descend into the Typee valley, initially finding it uninhabited and struggling to find food. They discover a path and some fruit, then encounter natives who lead them to a house where they are fed and observed with great curiosity. The narrator reflects on the restricted intercourse between Europeans and the Typees due to the dangers of the bay and the tribe's hostile relations with neighboring valleys.
Chapter 13
XI
The narrator lies awake through the night, tormented by fears about their captivity among the Typees. In the morning, they are visited by curious native women and then by a series of men, including a distinguished warrior. The chapter introduces Fayaway, describing her beauty, dress, and the minimal tattooing on her body, contrasting her with the heavily tattooed warriors.
Chapter 14
Chapter XII
The narrator describes his first bath in the valley, followed by a journey with Mehevi and Kory-Kory through the difficult terrain of Typee to the taboo groves, where he observes the sacred and idolatrous sites. Later, during a night of feasting and repose, the narrator and Toby awaken to find the natives gone and see flames and dancing figures, leading to a fearful exchange about cannibalism before Mehevi returns to offer them food.
Chapter 15
XIII
The narrator, still lame, proposes that Toby attempt to reach Nukuheva for medicine and rescue. Despite native opposition, Toby departs with Marheyo. Later, Toby is brought back apparently lifeless, having fallen in the Happar mountains. He revives and recounts his perilous adventure. Kory-Kory delivers a passionate speech extolling the virtues of the Typees and warning against the cannibal Happars.
Chapter 16
XIV
Toby recovers from his wound, but the narrator remains ill and despondent. A commotion arises as news of approaching boats spreads via the islanders' vocal telegraph. The natives prepare fruit for trade, but Kory-Kory and others prevent the narrator from going to the beach. Toby leaves with the boats, promising to return in three days, but fails to reappear, leaving the narrator anxious and uncertain.
Chapter 17
XV
The narrator describes the kindness of Marheyo and his household, particularly their efforts to cater to his palate with rare seaweed and salt. He then provides a detailed description of the breadfruit tree and the various methods of preparing its fruit, including roasting, making kokoo, amar, and poee-poee.
Chapter 18
XVI
The narrator fully realizes his captivity among the Typees, sinking into despair after a false alarm of approaching boats reveals the natives' determination to keep him prisoner. He describes his adoption of Typee attire, his mysterious leg ailment, and anecdotes of his attempts to be useful—mending Marheyo's calico and shaving Narmonee's head with his razor.
Chapter 19
XVII
The narrator's health and spirits improve as he becomes more accustomed to life among the Typees. He reflects on the happiness of the islanders compared to the miseries of civilized society, arguing that the 'savage' enjoys a purer, more contented existence. He criticizes the hypocrisy of civilized nations, particularly regarding cruelty and punishment, and contrasts the peace of Typee with the violence of the outside world. The chapter ends with a skirmish between the Typees and the warriors of Happar, breaking the valley's tranquility.
Chapter 20
Chapter XVIII
The narrator enjoys improved health and peace of mind, taking pleasure in swimming with the valley girls and launching a canoe on the lake. The taboo prohibits women from entering the canoe, but after consulting Mehevi, the narrator secures an exemption for Fayaway. They enjoy a idyllic excursion, during which Fayaway uses her tappa as a sail. The narrator makes her a dress from calico. Later, a handsome stranger named Marnoo arrives, causing great excitement.
Chapter 21
XIX
After Marnoo's departure, the narrator reflects on the Typees' firm determination to keep him captive. He resolves to appear content and re-engages in valley life, observing the lightheartedness of the natives. He describes their amusement with popguns, the manufacture of tappa cloth, and Marheyo's peculiar desire for his old shoes.
Chapter 22
XX
The narrator describes a typical day in the Typee Valley, detailing the uniform and tranquil routine of the islanders from morning bathing and meals to afternoon siestas, evening dances, and nightly sleep. He recounts his own activities, including learning local crafts, visiting the Ti with Mehevi, and spending time with Fayaway and Kory-Kory.
Chapter 23
XXI
The narrator describes the medicinal spring of Arva Wai and its use by the Typees, particularly Old Marheyo. He then discovers ancient monumental stone terraces that remind him of Stonehenge, reflecting on their unknown origins and the impossibility of the present inhabitants having built them. Kory-Kory attributes the structures to the gods, but the narrator believes they are the work of an extinct race, prompting reflections on the island's great antiquity.
Chapter 24
XXII
The narrator describes the preparations for a grand festival in the Typee valley, including the slaughter and cooking of hogs, the construction of a pyramid of calabashes, and the gala attire of the islanders. He observes Mehevi at the Ti, learns of the feast from Kory-Kory, and finally dresses in native style to join the celebration.
Chapter 25
The Feast of Calabashes
The narrator describes the elaborate Feast of Calabashes, a grand festival in the Typee valley. He observes the entire population gathered in the Taboo Groves, with men in fantastic costumes, women dancing and chanting, and a lavish banquet of fruits, poee-poee, and roasted hogs. The narrator witnesses peculiar customs, including widows leaping stiffly in nudity as a sign of mourning, and a chaotic orchestra of drummers and chanting priests. Despite his inquiries to Kory-Kory, he fails to understand the meaning of the rituals, and the festival continues for two days before ending.
Chapter 26
XXIV
The narrator reflects on the religious practices of the Typees, criticizing inaccurate accounts by missionaries and scientific travelers. He describes the mausoleum of a deceased warrior chief, the superstition surrounding it, and the relaxed attitude of the islanders toward religion. He also recounts Kory-Kory's explanation of the afterlife and the general indifference of the Typees to formal worship.
Chapter 27
XXV
The narrator reflects on the physical beauty and strength of the Typees, contrasting them favorably with the inhabitants of Nukuheva and with civilized peoples. He describes their flawless forms, white teeth, and varied complexions, attributing their health to a natural diet and lifestyle. He notes the use of vegetable cosmetics like papa root and coconut oil, and laments the corrupting influence of European contact, hoping the Typees remain untouched. He cites historical voyagers (Mendanna, Cook, Stewart, Fanning, Porter) who praised Marquesan beauty, and observes the limited European goods in the valley—chiefly a few muskets and cloth—highlighting the Typees' isolation.
Chapter 28
XXVI
The narrator reflects on the marital customs of the Typees, noting the ease of separation and the absence of large families. He contrasts this with the licentiousness of Tahiti and the destructive impact of European contact. He describes the burial practices observed at Nukuheva and laments the future devastation of the valley by French colonization and missionary efforts, which he argues bring vice, disease, and depopulation. He also satirizes the Hawaiian monarchy and praises Mehevi as a noble savage, while recounting observations of romantic entanglements among the Typees.
Chapter 29
The Social Condition and General Character of the Typees
The narrator reflects on the social order of the Typee valley, observing that despite the absence of formal laws, courts, or police, the community operates with remarkable harmony and mutual respect. He attributes this to an inherent sense of honesty and charity, and notes the mild influence of chiefs and the role of 'Taboo.' The chapter also discusses the division of labor, the elevated status of women, and the tribe's hostility toward outsiders, which the narrator justifies by historical grievances such as Porter's invasion. He acknowledges the practice of cannibalism but contextualizes it as limited to slain enemies and not indicative of overall savagery.
Chapter 30
Fishing Parties and Midnight Banquets
The narrator describes the Typee fishing parties, which occur four times a month during the full moon. The fish are caught with nets, brought to the Taboo Groves, and distributed impartially throughout the valley under strict taboo. One memorable midnight arrival features torchlit messengers and a communal feast. The narrator also details the native tapers made from armor nuts and recounts his initial horror at seeing Fayaway eat raw fish, though he eventually adapts to the custom.
Chapter 31
XXIX
The narrator provides a detailed natural history of the Typee valley, describing the tameness of birds and lizards, the annoyance of flies, the presence of dogs and a mysterious cat, the idyllic climate, and the remarkable methods used by the natives to climb coconut trees. He recounts the agile climbing of a young chief named Narnee and the fearless climbing of children.
Chapter 32
Taboo and Tattooing: The Sacred and the Profane in Typee
The narrator explores the pervasive power of the taboo in Typee society, witnessing its effects on everyday objects, food, and even the shadows of trees. He recounts a harrowing incident where he inadvertently violates a taboo by touching sacred tappa cloth, causing panic among the women. The chapter also describes the art of tattooing, with the narrator narrowly escaping being forcibly tattooed by an enthusiastic artist. Two anecdotes illustrate the taboo's authority: one involving a captain who defies it by shooting tabooed fowl, and another detailing the severe consequences for violating sacred streams and houses. The narrator reflects on the mysterious origins and capricious nature of the taboo, and concludes with observations on the complexity of the Typee language.
Chapter 33
XXXI
The narrator describes various Typee customs and observations, including their nightly chanting with sticks, the musical quality of their voices, the king's delight at hearing him sing, his promotion to court minstrel, the nasal flute played by women like Fayaway, his pugilistic performances for the king's amusement, a mother bathing her infant in the stream, and the girls' hair care using coconut oil.
Chapter 34
XXXII
The narrator's despair deepens as he feels trapped in captivity, his illness returns, and he discovers three preserved human heads—including that of a white man—which horrifies him and raises fears of cannibalism. He witnesses a second battle with the Happars and the triumphant return of warriors carrying the bodies of slain enemies, further intensifying his dread.
Chapter 35
XXXIII
The narrator, still captive in the Typee valley, is visited again by Marnoo. Despite his hopes, Marnoo refuses to help him escape directly but suggests a plan: the narrator must flee alone at night to Pueearka, where Marnoo will take him by canoe to Nukuheva. The narrator attempts to sneak out at night but is repeatedly thwarted, especially by Kory-Kory. He grows increasingly despondent, contemplating his fate and the loved ones far away. Marheyo shows him sympathy, and the narrator finds solace in observing the old chief's quiet work and the three breadfruit trees.
Chapter 36
The Escape
The narrator, having spent over four months in the Typee valley, is thrown into turmoil when Mow-Mow announces that Toby has arrived by boat. Despite his desperate hope for rescue, the news proves false. Later, a boat from a French ship arrives, and the narrator is ransomed with the help of Karakoee. Amidst a violent conflict among the natives, he escapes to the boat, distributing gifts to his friends before fleeing, though Mow-Mow and others pursue and hurl javelins.
Chapter 37
The Story of Toby
Toby's attempt to rescue the narrator from the Typee valley is thwarted by the manipulative sailor Jimmy, who persuades him to leave the island alone under false promises. Despite Toby's desperate efforts, he is forced to depart without his comrade, leading to years of separation and eventual reunion.
Chapter 38
Endnotes
The endnotes provide clarifications on Polynesian terms such as 'Kanaka,' 'Arva,' and 'Artua,' discuss the sacred color white among the Marquesans, cite historical sources on Mendanna's voyage, critique the superficial civilization of the Sandwich Islands, and explain the apparent contradiction in the honesty of islanders toward each other versus their thievery from foreigners.
