The Noble Savage

The author as the narrator makes an extensive plea for the Typees to be respected and protected as noble savages, despite that they occasionally resort to cannibalism. After Tommo and Toby come into the valley, they are put under the protection of Chief Mehevi. This is despite being unable to say anything in the native language except for "Typee motarkee," which means that Typee is good. Tommo is impressed by the unity of opinion among the natives and the lack of conflict among them. Perhaps the most incredible situation to him is the native institution of marriage between a women and two men. Tommo is surprised that men agree to this arrangement, which is a practical solution to the problem of excess men in the native population in relation to the number of women.

There is an amazing amount of good will and honesty among the...