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Typee · Chapter

V explained

The narrator resolves to escape the ship and plans his flight, considering the risks of capture and cannibals.

What happens

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.

Themes in this chapter

  • Freedom and Captivity

    The narrator's desperate desire to escape the ship contrasts with the risk of being captured by natives.

  • Cannibalism and the Other

    The narrator fears being eaten by Typee cannibals, reflecting colonial anxieties.

Characters to notice

  • Narrator

    Resolves to escape, plans route, and recruits Toby.

  • Toby

    Agrees to join the escape; described as moody, brave, and a close companion.

  • Captain

    Mentioned as paternal but likely to offer rewards for the narrator's capture.

Key passages

  • “Having fully resolved to leave the vessel clandestinely... I now deliberately turned over in my mind every plan to escape that suggested itself”

    The narrator decides to sneak away and carefully considers all possible escape plans.

    Shows his determination and caution.

  • “Toby, such was the name by which he went among us... was every way worthy of it. He was active, ready and obliging, of dauntless courage”

    Toby is a brave and capable sailor, the narrator's chosen companion.

    Introduces Toby as a key ally.

  • “We then ratified our engagement with an affectionate wedding of palms, and to elude suspicion repaired each to his hammock”

    They sealed their pact with a handshake and went to bed to avoid suspicion.

    Highlights their secret pact and camaraderie.

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