Sure, Toby might be the obvious BFF, but he's not the only close companion to have a part in Typee. While Tommo's busy building relationships with Toby, Kory-Kory, Mehevi, and Fayaway, he also observes that the Typee tribe members seem pretty uninterested in genetic affiliation. Rather, they are people living in more of a commune situation, where each is bonded as a result of context and action. It sure sounds like friendship to us.
Each night, Tommo sleeps between Kory-Kory and Fayaway (who may or may not be Marheyo and Tinor's son and daughter) on their bamboo mats. Tommo does Mehevi a solid by demonstrating how to use a needle and lending a warrior his straight razor. And Kory-Kory does a solid for an injured Tommo, carting him around everywhere on his back. In the Typee valley, friendship can come from anywhere and look like anything.
Questions About Friendship
- Do you think that Kory-Kory is Tommo's friend? Why or why not?
- What is the relationship between Kory-Kory and Fayaway?
- How does Mehevi demonstrate his good will and trust of Tommo?
- What do you think it was about Toby that made Tommo sure they could travel well together?
Chew on This
Everyone's naturally in it together—the concept of a "friend" has no role in the Typee culture.
Tommo just thinks he and Mehevi are buddies. In fact, the chief is just trying to keep him from running away.