Foil

Character Role Analysis

Mehevi & Mow-Mow

They say the truly rich never talk about money. In a similar way, Mehevi—all powerful chief king of the Typee—doesn't really need to flaunt his power and influence. He's free to make nice with the people, conduct festivals and rituals, and generally just chill out as he pleases.

On the other hand, Mow-Mow—the one-eyed under-chief—runs again and again into battle, injured and ugly. Because Tommo pals around with Mehevi, we might have a hard time buying the king in the place of Mow-Mow as he pursues our hero.

Can you imagine Tommo slicing at Mehevi's neck and getting away with it? Absolutely not. So it's up to Mow-Mow, with his "frightful expression" on his "hideously tattooed" (32.20) face to do the dirty work.