Quotes
Hab told Nat, “Boys don’t blubber.” What does that mean?
Complain/Cry
Especially about things they can’t change
What were the names of Nat’s two wives?
Elizabeth & Polly
In the beginning of the book, what did Nat think it was good luck to do?
Jiggle a shilling in his pocket during a full moon.
Lem showed up at Nat’s house “back from the dead.” Lem found out Nat was going on another voyage an Lem wanted to go. What happened to Lem that made him unable to go?
He broke his leg.
When Nat sailed for the first time he bought items to sell in other countries. What did he buy to sell?
Boots and shoes.
Lupe wanted Nat to teach him book sailing. He said he would trade Nat and teach him to ________.
Throw a knife
“An expectation is the money a sailor expects to make on the voyage of a privateer.” Who did Nat buy an expectation from?
Tom Perry
Nat was indentured until he was how old?
21
A privateer is a ship that carries ________
Guns
“A strong man sails by ash breeze!” What does that mean?
When the wind dies down a boat with sails can’t move. Sometimes the sailors have to break out their oars and row. When you do something by your own power, take matters in your own hands to get something done.
What did Nat do in his free time when he was working at the chandlery?
Studied! He made notebooks of everything he was learning about.
At the very end of the book Nat returned home to Polly on what day?
Christmas Day!
Been Meeker said, “Nat Bowditch, eh? I’ve heard of you. Master Watson’s brightest student you were.” He shook his head dolefully. “And now you’re becalmed…” What does it men to be becalmed?
Becalmed refers to a ship without wind in the sails and therefore cannot move. He’s telling Nat he’s going nowhere like a ship that doesn’t move.
Mr. Morris met Nat when he was 16 years old working and in the chandlery. He was impressed with Nat and offered him a job tutoring his children. What did he see that Nat made that he was so impressed with?
Nat’s almanac.
What president came to Salem after the war?
George Washington