The Blue Lagoon · Chapter
XVII: The Devil's Cask explained
A whaling ship visits the island, causing Mr.
What happens
A whaling ship visits the island, causing Mr. Button to hide the children and stash their belongings. The ship leaves, but Emmeline's precious box is lost. Later, Dick discovers a hidden barrel of rum, which Mr. Button joyfully claims.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the protagonis…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Isolation and Survival
Mr. Button's fear of the whalemen and his efforts to protect the children highlight their isolated existence and the threat of outside contact.
- Innocence and Loss
Emmeline's distress over the lost box and her simple joy in making wreaths contrast with the harsh reality of their situation.
Characters to notice
- Dick
Discovers the rum barrel and brings a sample to Mr. Button.
- Emmeline
Grieves the loss of her box and is fond of making flower wreaths.
- Mr. Button
Hides the children from the whaling ship and later rejoices at finding the rum.
Key passages
“He hid the children under a large banyan, and told them not to stir or breathe till he came back, for the ship was 'the devil's own ship'; and if the men on board caught them they'd skin them alive and all.”
Mr. Button concealed the children beneath a banyan tree, warning them to stay still and silent because the ship was evil and its crew would harm them.
Shows Mr. Button's protective fear of outsiders.
“It was gone, and there was the end of the matter, and the beginning of great tribulation, that lasted Emmeline for a week.”
The box was lost, causing Emmeline a week of intense sorrow.
Highlights the emotional impact of the loss on Emmeline.
“Here have I been, time out of mind, sittin' on an ould empty bar'l, with me tongue hangin' down to me heels for the want of a drink, and it full of rum all the while!”
Mr. Button exclaims that he had been sitting on a barrel he thought was empty, while it actually contained rum he desperately craved.
Reveals Mr. Button's longing for alcohol and the irony of the situation.
