ABSTRACT
The missionary culture of the South Seas provides a framework by which to consider what, for Stevenson, constitutes the nature of remembrance, alienation, images, language, and power. Wherever Stevenson traveled, he could not avoid reminders of the British Empire and of his own place in it. Looking closely at Stevenson's reactions to the missionary culture and the Samoan political environment, one has to recognize, or, perhaps, reluctantly admit to oneself, that there are significant moments when he supports the colonial imperative and values its presence, indeed finds solace in it as well as hope for an island's future. Imperialism is not a very useful term to describe the character of Stevenson's experiences in the South Seas, even though he is the child of Empire. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
