The Mosquito Coast Questions and Answers
The Mosquito Coast
How is racism portrayed in The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux?
In the novel, racism is used to demonstrate a main theme: how a biased worldview can distort reality in one's mind.
The Mosquito Coast
In The Mosquito Coast, how does the relationship between Allie Fox and his son Charlie change?
The relationship between Allie Fox and his son Charlie in The Mosquito Coast deteriorates as Allie becomes increasingly unstable. Initially, Charlie admires his father's self-reliance and shares his...
The Mosquito Coast
What analogy explains the intricacies of Fat Boy in The Mosquito Coast?
The ice machine "Fat Boy" in The Mosquito Coast symbolizes Allie's faith in science and technology as a savior from civilization's ills. By building an ice house in the jungle, Allie aims to create...
The Mosquito Coast
In The Mosquito Coast, how does Reverend Spellgood serve as a foil to Allie?
Reverend Spellgood serves as a foil to Allie by highlighting their differing methods and motivations in "saving" the natives. Both characters are zealous and somewhat megalomaniacal, but Spellgood...
The Mosquito Coast
In "The Mosquito Coast," does Allie depict a dictatorship towards his family in Honduras?
Allie exhibits dictatorial behavior towards his family in Honduras, as he imposes his will by relocating them to a dangerous jungle environment due to his disillusionment with America. He demands...
The Mosquito Coast
In The Mosquito Coast, what is the locals' initial reaction to Fat Boy?
The locals' initial reaction to Fat Boy in "The Mosquito Coast" is mixed. Most residents of Jeronimo are puzzled and think Allie is going mad, suspecting he is building a silo. When questioned, Allie...