# State of Affairs Aboard the Ship explained — Typee

> Chapter companion for Typee by Herman Melville.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonialism and Its Effects

The narrator critiques European atrocities in the South Seas, arguing that 'savages' are made by the cruel actions of colonizers.

### Cannibalism and the Other

The Typees are feared as cannibals, and the narrator recounts stories of their alleged man-eating practices, though he suspects the bay's inhabitants are equally cannibalistic.

### Civilization vs. Nature

The contrast between the 'civilized' Christian soldiers' destructive behavior and the 'savage' islanders' initial hospitality is explored.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

Resolves to leave the ship and reflects on the captain's abuses and the dangers of the Typees.

### Toby

Mentioned as a companion in the decision to desert.

### Captain

Described as tyrannical, violent, and the author of abuses aboard the Dolly.

### Captain Porter

Recalled for his 1814 invasion of the Typee valley, which resulted in burning houses and temples.

## Key lines

> I had made up my mind to 'run away.'

The narrator decided to desert the ship.

_Expresses his determination to leave the Dolly despite the legal and social implications._

> Thus it is that they whom we denominate 'savages' are made to deserve the title.

The label 'savage' is a result of European provocations and atrocities.

_Reflects the narrator's critique of colonial violence and its role in creating hostility._

> The captain was the author of the abuses; it was in vain to think that he would either remedy them, or alter his conduct, which was arbitrary and violent in the extreme.

The captain was solely responsible for the mistreatment and would not change his ways.

_Justifies the narrator's decision to desert by highlighting the captain's tyranny._

## Links

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