A useful insight for students is to analyze Simoun’s behavior on the boat. He is now friends with the very people (like the friars) he used to despise. He uses flattery and wealth to manipulate them. This chapter establishes the central conflict of the novel: revolution vs. reform. Simoun’s silence and his heavy luggage (symbolizing his plans and perhaps the dynamite/bombs to come) set a dark, suspenseful tone right from the start."