Reading Questions Chapters 12-18
1. Look for moments when Tommo is conflicted in his attitude towards the Typee’s behavior. He recognizes their generosity and friendliness, but still has doubts as to their sincerity. How might we account for this? There are moments when he seems to regret doubting his caretakers, but at the same time his mistrust tends to prevail for the most part. Why?
2. At the same time, both Tommo and Toby have no doubts as to the hospitality and friendliness of the Happars. Why is this so, and how is their expectation challenged?
3. In the first publication of _Typee_, the narrator tells us he “literally interpreted” the words of Kory-Kory, but in the American edition, this is changed to “liberally interpreted” (103). The use of the word “literal” is very different from “liberal.” How do we interpret each of these words, and what does Melville’s use of both tell us about his feelings towards the Typee?
4. After it takes Kory-Kory an enormous amount of effort to light a fire, Tommo reflects on the differences between Savage and Civilized life in regards to fire (112). What conclusions does he draw from this?
5. Look for instances in which the narrator goes to great lengths to describe the houses, clothing, plants, etc. found in the Typee valley. Why might he go into such explicit detail? In other instances, he compares things he encounters there with things that would be known in the West; why might he make these comparisons?
6. Pay particular attention to the section in which “civilized and savage life [are] contrasted.” What are Tommo’s thoughts regarding this? (124-6). What does he value about each culture, and where does he find fault with each? Does he seem to privilege one over the other?
7. What do you make of Tommo’s disregard for the taboo, and of the elders’ decision to comply with his desire to have Fayaway ride in the canoe?
Questions for Chapters 19-25
1. Tommo just can’t figure out why the Typee want to keep him in the valley. What could possibly explain their desire to treat him well, yet also hold him as a “prisoner,” as he calls it?
2. Look for moments in which Tommo critiques Western culture, and points out ways in which the “savages” are perhaps lead happier lives. Do you see other moments where his celebration of the natives’ simplicity also comes across as a bit condescending?
3. Look for moments in which Tommo is critical of the missionaries. In what ways does he suggest the missionaries have been harmful to Island cultures? Does he feel all missionaries are bad? Does he disagree with missionary work in a general sense, or just some of its practices?
4. How does Tommo set himself apart from others as a reporter/recorder of the “savages,” their customs, and their way of life?
5. Beware of Melville’s use of irony and sarcasm. Look for moments when he says one thing, but means another. Why might he use this technique?
Questions for Chapters 26- Appendix
1. Choose a passage in which the narrator goes into great detail about the customs of the Typee. What does he seem to conclude based on his observations in the passage?
2. Choose a passage that deals with Tommo’s reaction to cannibalism when he finally encounters it. What does Tommo ultimately think about this practice? Does he gain any new insight into it? Identify a passage that helps to answer this.
3. Identify the moment when Tommo realizes he cannot fully become a member of the Typee tribe. In what way does he literally know he can’t do what the Typee ask of him? In what way is this act more symbolic?
4. Choose a passage that explains why Tommo decides to leave the Typee and return to the Western world.
5. What does the narrator hope to accomplish with the Appendix? Identify passages that reveal his goals for this Appendix to the narrative.
6. Tommo speaks of the other narratives about the islanders that were incorrect, and yet he presents us with yet another narrative about them. What do we make of these competing narratives? Is there one real story about the Typee, or are there multiple realities that can be constructed?