The Coral Island · Theme
Savagery vs. Civilization
How The Coral Island develops Savagery vs. Civilization.
The book repeatedly contrasts the 'bloodthirsty savages' and their violent customs (cannibalism, warfare) with the civilized, Christian way of life, suggesting a hierarchy of cultures.
Where it surfaces
- Shoemaking—The even tenor of our way suddenly interrupted—An unexpected visit and an appalling battle—We all become warriors, and Jack proves himself be a hero.
The peaceful, orderly life of the boys is violently interrupted by the arrival of war canoes and the brutal cannibalistic acts of the natives, starkly contrasting civilized and savage behavior.
- XX
The contrast between the natives' cannibalistic tendencies and the boys' efforts to enforce civilized behavior is highlighted.
- XXI
The pirates are depicted as 'white savages,' contrasting their brutality with the boys' civilized cooperation and morality.
- XXII
The pirates' brutality and lawlessness contrast with Ralph's moral courage and the order of civilized society.
- XXIII
The massacre of natives by the supposedly 'civilized' crew blurs the line between savagery and civilization, with Ralph questioning who the true savages are.
- 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.
Bloody Bill contrasts the 'savage' cannibalistic Fijians with the 'civilized' Christian natives of Tahiti, highlighting the transformative power of missionary work.
- XXV
Contrast between the innocent games of native children and the brutal violence of Romata, highlighting the thin line between civilized and savage behavior.
- XXVI
The chapter starkly contrasts the brutal practices of the natives (launching a canoe over living victims) with the pirates' own murderous nature, blurring the line between savagery and so-called civilization.
- The Voyage to Mango and the Missionary's Tale
The contrast between the Christian village and the cannibalistic heathen tribes underscores this theme.
- XXXI
The chapter starkly contrasts the brutal heathen practices of Mango (battle, temple rites, cannibalism) with the Christian village's 'clothed and in their right mind' inhabitants.
- XXXII
The contrast between the 'heathen' practices of the Mango savages and the Christian values of the rescuers is central to the chapter.
- The Flight – The Pursuit – Despair and its Results – The Lion Bearded in his Den Again – Awful Danger Threatened and Wonderfully Averted – A Terrific Storm
The conflict between the 'savage' practices of the islanders (sacrifice, pursuit) and the 'civilized' values of the boys (succoring a woman, Christian faith) is central.
