Australia

Australia serves as the expedition’s turning point in Martin Eden’s return from the Solomon Islands: the failed search ends there, and Martin’s onward passage begins.

The Expedition Ends

After eight months without finding treasure, the treasure-hunting expedition breaks up. The men are paid off in Australia, marking the end of the venture that had taken Martin to sea.

A Passage Home

Martin immediately ships on a deep-water vessel bound for San Francisco. The expedition’s wages leave him with enough money to remain ashore for many weeks, while the months at sea have also given him time to study and read. Australia thus marks both the close of a failed undertaking and the transition toward the intellectual work he continues after returning home.