Characters
This character had to leave school to work. His dream was to be a Harvard graduate.
Nathaniel Bowditch
What does sailing by ash breeze mean for a boat?
Using the oars for power when there is no wind to move the ship
What was Nat's first struggle when he went to school?
Master Watson would not give him difficult math problems to work because he thought he was incapable.
serenade
a musical performance done to express love for someone
What did Lupe teach Nat?
knife throwing and how to serenade someone
Was a ship captain but lost his ship. He became a cooper
Father
What does sailing by ash breeze mean when you apply it to life?
When you get ahead in life by working hard and taking initiative
How did Nat react when he was told he was being indentured?
He was very disappointed. He continued to repeat "nine years....nine years"
commencement
graduation ceremony
How did Nat support Lem when he was not supposed to be in charge of the guns?
He told Captain Prince that he had ordered Lem to not shoot the guns.
Two characters who were described to "have eyes in the back of their hearts"
Lizza and Polly
What does being becalmed mean when you are on a ship?
motionless through lack of wind
Name three important people Nat lost in his life?
granny, mother, Elizabeth
depreciated
to diminish in value
Rough, mean sailor, skilled with guns, learned to navigate, was thought to have died from book sailing
Lem Harvey
What does being becalmed mean when you apply it to life?
You are stuck where you are in life, and only God can move you to the next point.
Explain what happened at the husking bee with Nat, Elizabeth, and David.
David was looking for red ears of corn so he could kiss Elizabeth. The others threw the red ears to Nat to encourage him.
shilling
British coin
This character is quite grouchy. She was always concerned about her family.
Granny!
What does it mean to have eyes in the back of their hearts?
You are very kind and thoughtful.
How did Charlie and Nat help each other cope with sadness? What was Nat sad with at this point?
Nat helped Charlie take his mind off of home by asking him to help with a navigation problem. Later, Charlie helped Nat take his mind off of Elizabeth's death.
indenture
a contract which binds one person into the service of another for a specified amount of time