Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands mark the end of Martin Eden’s unsuccessful treasure hunt and the turning point in his return to California. The expedition lasted eight months without finding treasure; its failure broke up the venture, leaving Martin to seek passage home after the men were paid off in Australia.

Setting and Expedition

Martin had gone to sea aboard a treasure-hunting schooner after his store of money ran out. The Solomon Islands witnessed the expedition’s dissolution after eight months of searching without success. The account gives no further description of the islands themselves: their significance here lies in the failed venture that ended there.

Return and Significance

After the expedition broke up, Martin was paid off in Australia and immediately shipped aboard a deep-water vessel for San Francisco, returning to California with a lover’s desire. The voyage had not brought him treasure, but it had given him enough money to remain ashore for many weeks and time for substantial study and reading. The Solomon Islands thus stand at a practical and personal threshold: the failure closed one attempt to secure his future, while the time spent at sea had strengthened his self-education before he came home.