The Coral Island · Theme
Christianity and Morality
How The Coral Island develops Christianity and Morality.
Christian faith is a central moral compass, with characters like Ralph clinging to his mother's Bible teachings, and the narrative contrasting Christian converts with 'heathen' cannibals, emphasizing redemption and divine providence.
Where it surfaces
- XXIV Bloody Bill is communicative and sagacious—Unpleasant prospects—Retrospective meditations interrupted by volcanic agency—The pirates negotiate with a Fiji chief—Various etceteras that are calculated to surprise and horrify.
Bill praises missionaries for ending cannibalism and violence, while Ralph fervently blesses them; Bill laments his own inability to pray for others.
- XXVII
Ralph's struggle to recall Bible verses and his attempt to offer spiritual comfort to the dying Bill highlight the theme of redemption and moral reckoning.
- The Voyage to Mango and the Missionary's Tale
The missionary's account highlights the transformative power of Christian faith and the conflict with heathen practices.
- XXXI
The teacher's exhortation challenges the boys' personal faith, and Jack's willingness to risk his life for Avatea reflects Christian moral courage.
- XXXII
The missionary advocates overcoming evil with good, and Jack references divine deliverance, highlighting Christian faith as a moral guide.
- XXXIV
The missionary's arrival leads to Tararo's conversion, the burning of idols, and the boys' liberation, emphasizing Christian redemption.
- Conclusion
The missionary's success in converting Tararo and the emphasis on spreading the gospel highlight the theme of Christian morality.