March 22 Summary and Analysis

On Good Friday, the members of the expedition put on their good clothes and go to services in an old church in La Paz. The church is dark, and filled with old women and small children. A choir of young boys sing, followed by a fiery sermon by a young priest. Leaving the church, the town is unusually quiet. The services produce a reverie about the poverty and humility of man, without which, man would not be what he is. These sufferings bring men together in a community more than when they are well-fed and free from distress.

On the way back to the boat, the group hears the sound of chickens over a wall and tries to buy some for dinner. The owner agrees to sell a couple, but they must catch the chickens first. This proves to be difficult...