Quizzer Part 7

Why do Troost and Sylvia fly to the outer islands of Tarawa?

The main reason for Troost's exploration is to find out the different behaviors of Kiribati people compared with the outer islanders of Tarawa. This gives Troost more information and a basis to write his story of life on this small island nation in the South Pacific. He compares the physical characteristics of the islands, the people's behaviors, his experiences, and links these differences and similarities together creating his viewpoints of what he has discovered from living on Tarawa.

What does Troost discover about the outer islands?

Troost finds that the water surrounding the outer islands is pristine, there is less pollution, and there is more tribal behavior found. He also realizes how 85% of the people living on Tarawa inhabit the outer islands while keeping a life disconnected from the "outside world" whereas Kiribati has much more remnants and evidence of being affected by other nations. The outer islands keep to tradition much more so than Kiribati and they also do not have La Macarena playing constantly in the background, in fact Troost is pleased to hear that it is not playing at all.

What is significant about the meal on Butaritari?

The meal (eel) prepared for the I-Matangs (Troost and Sylvia) signifies the symbolic nature of the outer islands, the tribal set-up and traditions still exist very much there today. The villagers watched the I-Matang eat first, then the elders ate, then the men, then the children, then the women of the village ate the meal. The order of importance or somewhat of a hierarchy exists during the meals to hold this tribal status on the outer islands.

What is the significance with Troost saying "it sometimes seemed as if the rhythms of life were focused solely on Butaritari"?

Troost's quote is significant as a greater turning point, almost a foreshadowing, in the novel letting the reader know how he finds this place a tranquil place far from where he once came from. This shows how he has grown fond of the islands despite the health hazards and disconnectedness from the outer world. He has fallen in love with the life that these islands provide. The foreshadowing is most likely about his move back to the states and the culture shock that finds him once again.