When readers first encounter Harvey Cheyne, Jr., he is the arrogant and privileged son of a wealthy railroad magnate who has suffered the misfortune of falling overboard from a transatlantic steamship. At fifteen, he is rebellious and undisciplined. He has no conception of work or patience for situations outside his control.
His months aboard We're Hereteach him patience; he is not returned to port, as he initially insists, and he learns much about hard...
When readers first encounter Harvey Cheyne, Jr., he is the arrogant and privileged son of a wealthy railroad magnate who has suffered the misfortune of falling overboard from a transatlantic steamship. At fifteen, he is rebellious and undisciplined. He has no conception of work or patience for situations outside his control.
His months aboard We're Here teach him patience; he is not returned to port, as he initially insists, and he learns much about hard work and conquering one's fears. Disko Troop, the owner and captain of the schooner that rescues Harvey, is at first unimpressed with him, and for good reason. Harvey is insolent and used to his father's money to get himself out of trouble.
Harvey endures corporal punishment from Captain Troop and Long Jack and soon learns the work of commercial fishing. His world view is broadened because of his natural intelligence and the time he spends with men unlike himself: Portuguese, Irish, working class, and black.
Harvey eventually earns both the respect of the captain, who sees him develop skills and understanding of the value of acquiring knowledge and experience through hard, hands-on work, and his father, a man who has prospered despite coming from humble roots.
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