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1. What does Mafatu describe at the beginning of the chapter?

In the opening chapter, Mafatu recalls for the reader a life-changing event that happened to him early in his childhood, an event that has shaped his fear of the sea.

2. How does Mafatu and his mother end up in danger?

They warned Mafatu's mother against staying out in the water, but she paid them no attention. Finally, though, she decides to head back to shore, but she finds the way blocked by a current that had formed by the shoulder of the reef passage. The current took hold of their canoe, leaving them defenseless against the elements. Their boat capsized, and they were tossed into the churning sea, where they remained for the whole of the night.

3. What happens after Mafatu and his mother are washed ashore?

Incredibly weak from the long battle, Mafatu's mother struggled to feed him from a cracked coconut lying nearby. After raising the coconut to her son's lips, Mafatu's mother died.

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