The Mosquito Coast

“He seemed both fascinated and repelled by them, and he communicated these feelings to me […] I had wondered how he knew these things about the men he called Savages. He claimed he knew from experiences, from living in wild places, among primitive people. He used the word savages with affection, as if he liked them a little for it.”

Allie’s obsession with the idea of “savages” is established early in the novel, and in this quotation, Charlie attempts to make sense of his father’s conflicting values. It is typical of his father’s infantilizing attitude toward those he considers his inferiors that he both pities and admires them. In his use of the word “claimed,” Charlie also establishes the skepticism with which he views his father’s assertions.

“I’m the last man!”

Charlie references a declaration his father often repeats. Allie casts himself in the role of survivor in what he believes is the imminent war in the United States. It is evidence of Allie’s individuality and self-assurance and his conviction that he will outmaneuver any possible threats by anticipating what others cannot.

“Your father’s the most obnoxious man I’ve ever met. He is the worst kind of pain in the neck—a know-it-all who’s sometimes right […] I’ve come to see he’s dangerous. You tell him that, Charlie. Tell him he’s a dangerous man and one of these days he’s going to get you all killed. Tell him I said so.”

Polski’s ominous foreshadowing acknowledges that Allie’s skillset makes him valuable to others and less likely to be discredited entirely because of his conduct. However, it also indicates that people outside the family can perceive the potential threats that Allie’s stubbornness and obliviousness represent.