Paddy teaches the children basic survival skills—hunting, fishing, and building—before he dies following a drunken binge. Left alone, the two children grow into teenagers in near-total isolation.
Young Richard and Emmeline are separated from Richard's father during a ship fire. They escape on a lifeboat with the ship's cook, Paddy Button, and eventually wash up on a deserted tropical island. They escape on a lifeboat with the ship's
Believing their young son has eaten poisonous "never-wake-up" berries, Richard and Emmeline also eat the berries so they can all die together. They are eventually found by Richard's father; while they appear dead, a ship's officer clarifies they are merely "asleep". Key Themes Key Themes As they reach puberty, they experience
As they reach puberty, they experience emotional and physical changes without adult guidance. Their childhood friendship naturally evolves into a romantic and sexual relationship. Eventually, Emmeline becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, whom they name Paddy. Key Themes As they reach puberty