The Mosquito Coast

by Paul Theroux

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Student Question

In "The Mosquito Coast," does Allie depict a dictatorship towards his family in Honduras?

Quick answer:

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 compliance from his wife and children, with the oldest son often persuading the younger ones to follow. This authoritarian approach contributes to his eventual madness, highlighting his tyrannical nature.

Expert Answers

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There's no doubt that he's a dictator toward his family. He's willing to take his family to a jungle and expose them to dangers because he feels America is dead. He asks his wife and children to do difficult things, and his wife and oldest son always comply. His son, the narrator, has to convince the younger children to do what their father asks. The tyrannical nature of Allie eventually leads to his madness.

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