Part One, First Chapter: The Languor of Ofenísia, Sections titled Of Filomena's Departure and Nacib's Predicament, Of Law, Justice, Birth, and Nationality, In Which Mundinho Falcão, an Important Character, Makes his Appearance Looking at Ilhéus through Binoculars, and Of the Ship's Arrival Summary

Nacib wakes up to find that his cook is leaving and he must immediately find another one. Mundinho Falcão visits his family in Rio, and his two older brothers, both influential leaders there, question his fondness for Ilhéus and its people. Mundinho informs them he is considering a move into politics. He is optimistic as he returns to Ilh...