Rain Study Guide & Notes

Rain Plot Summary

Preview of Rain Summary:

The short story Rain relates the events transpiring within a two-week period between a small group of English and American travelers in the South Pacific island of Tutuila. The primary plot details how one of the characters, an arrogant and self-righteous Christian missionary, attempts to reform another character, whom he mistakenly assumes is a common prostitute. The missionary uses his considerable political influence to control the situation and eventually spends several days alone with the alleged prostitute, cleansing her soul of sin. In the end, the woman seduces the missionary, who subsequently commits suicide rather than facing a suddenly uncertain future.

Dr. and Mrs. Macphail are traveling to Upolu by ship. They are accompanied on the long voyage by Mr. and Mrs. Davidson, missionaries returning to their designated area which includes some islands in the South Pacific. The ship is unexpectedly detained at Tutuila for a fortnight due to a...
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