Typee · Chapter
XIX explained
After Marnoo's departure, the narrator reflects on the Typees' firm determination to keep him captive.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Captivity
The narrator's internal struggle with his captivity and his decision to feign contentment to gain future escape opportunities.
Cultural Relativism
The narrator contrasts the simple joys of the Typees (e.g., popgun games) with the more complex but rarer pleasures of 'enlightened' societies.
The Idealized Primitive
The narrator romanticizes the lighthearted, carefree existence of the Typees, suggesting they experience a happiness seldom found in civilized life.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
Reflects on his captivity and resolves to appear reconciled to his situation.
- Marnoo
His departure prompts the narrator's reflections; his attempt to secure the narrator's release caused tension.
- Mehevi
Estranged from the narrator after the suggestion of departure; described as the most influential chief.
- Kory-Kory
Seems to share the general disapprobation toward the narrator's wish to leave.
- Marheyo
Shows a strange conceit by requesting and wearing the narrator's old shoes as ornaments.
Key passages
“The minds of these simple savages, unoccupied by matters of graver moment, were capable of deriving the utmost delight from circumstances which would have passed unnoticed in more intelligent communities.”
The Typees, free from serious concerns, find great joy in trivial things that would be overlooked in more advanced societies.
Highlights the narrator's view of the Typees' simple, joyful nature.
“How strongly rooted, then, must be the determination of the Typees with regard to me, and how suddenly could they display the strangest passions!”
The narrator realizes how firmly the Typees are set on keeping him and how quickly their emotions can shift.
Reflects the narrator's growing understanding of his precarious situation.
“My only hope was to induce the natives to believe that I was reconciled to my detention in the valley, and by assuming a tranquil and cheerful demeanour, to allay the suspicions which I had so unfortunately aroused.”
He decides to pretend he is happy staying in the valley to reduce the natives' watchfulness and create a chance to escape.
Shows the narrator's strategic shift in behavior.