The Great Wide Sea Man and the Natural World Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

All we knew was that the cabin was slowly filling with water. Steadily the water's weight and the dragging mast would pull Chrysalis toward the chasm under her stern. Someday she would slide backwards and sink completely and irrevocably to the bottom of the sea. (30.15)

Good thing the boys realized they needed to leave the boat. After a few weeks, the sea swallowed her up entirely.

Quote #8

When we reached the top of the island, we felt the wind hit us and push against us, as if it were trying to shove us back down the hill we had just climbed. (32.93)

This is another example of nature refusing to cooperate with the Byron boys. That said, they eventually make it to the top.

Quote #9

We were three little pieces of humanity, the only people on earth, standing on the very top of the island, erect, on two feet, with hands at our sides. In a photograph or a painting, we wouldn't show up. There was so little of us and so much of everything else. (32.105)

On the island, Ben and his brothers are overwhelmed by the landscape, which is huge. It makes them feel pretty puny in the grand scheme of things.