The Mosquito Coast

While Charlie provides some contextual family history, The Mosquito Coast is written chronologically and only spans a single year in the life of the Fox family, covering in full an adventure from beginning to end. Explore the author’s choice to begin and end the story at the points at which he does.

To what degree does Allie believe his own assertions? Has he intentionally manufactured his personal history, or is he convinced that his version of events is factual? Discuss how Allie integrates the events as related by Charlie and presents them anew, considering how this approach may exemplify his thought processes

Polski describes Allie as the worst kind of know-it-all, one who is sometimes right. When is Allie right, and how does this impact his role in the novel?