Chapter 11, A Baptism of Strangeness Summary and Analysis

Carol gazes at the Sawi warriors in full costume and warpaint. Richardson observes that, unlike their appearance at the home building, now they look like the savages and headhunters they are known to be. He fears the intentions of the fierce looking natives.

Once on shore, the crowd envelops the family and inhibits them from reaching their home. All the while, Carol exhibits trust in her husband. Then the crowd begins to move as one and brings them to their new home. Richardson sees the strange welcoming ceremony as a metaphor of a baptism into the strange, new culture of the Sawi.

Once the Richardsons enter their home, the Sawi crowd around to gaze in the windows and door. Nonchalantly, Richardson pumps up and starts a kerosene lamp. The unexpected brightness of the...