# Chapter III explained — Typee

> Chapter companion for Typee by Herman Melville.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonialism and Its Effects

The chapter exposes the brutal hypocrisy of French colonialism, using overwhelming military force against unarmed islanders and manipulating local leaders like King Mowanna.

### Civilization vs. Nature

The contrast between European 'civilization'—represented by warships, forged weapons, and military drills—and the simple bamboo huts of the Marquesans highlights the destructive imposition of so-called progress.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator recounts the French occupation and reflects critically on colonial violence.

### Mowanna

King of Nukuheva, manipulated by the French as a puppet to legitimize their rule.

### Rear Admiral Du Petit Thouars

French commander who led the seizure of Tahiti and the occupation of the Marquesas.

## Key lines

> A valiant warrior doubtless, but a prudent one too, was this same Rear Admiral Du Petit Thouars. Four heavy, doublebanked frigates and three corvettes to frighten a parcel of naked heathen into subjection!

The admiral was both brave and cautious, bringing an overwhelming naval force to intimidate unarmed natives.

_The narrator sarcastically criticizes the disproportionate military response._

> Tell the Pirate your master, replied the spirited Englishwoman, pointing to the staff, that if he wishes to strike these colours, he must come and perform the act himself; I will suffer no one else to do it.

Mrs. Pritchard defiantly told the French officer that only the admiral himself could lower the British flag.

_An example of resistance against French colonial aggression._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/typee_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/typee_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/typee_se/chapters