Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life

The narrator wakes Toby. Together, they stare out over the valley. They are uncertain whether this valley is home to the friendly Happars or the “ferocious” Typees. Toby, however, confidently asserts that this must be the Happar valley and urges the narrator to follow him. The Happars have a cordial relationship with European and American sailors and, he reasons, will thus welcome Toby and the narrator. The narrator is less certain, afraid of finding the Typees instead. They reach a compromise: They will walk around the elevated part of the valley to search for evidence of the other valley, which will help them decide which valley to enter. They begin their hike, feeling exhausted and hungry. The following morning, they must eat the last remaining “morsels of nourishment” (56) that they smuggled from the boat. They are now tired, cold, and hungry. The narrator still has not mentioned the potential snakebite to Toby. They feel that they must follow the stream into the nearest valley, even though they are unsure of the inhabitants, as they desperately need food and shelter.