How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Then there were their yarns. I hardly knew nor cared which were true and which were not. Tales of castaways on Pacific atolls never failed to move me. Solemn accounts of angels and ghosts appearing miraculously in the rigging were, by turns, thrilling and terrifying. I learned the men's language, their ways, their dreams. Above all, I cherished the notion that my contact with the crew improved them. As to what it did to me – I hardly guessed. (8.14)
The men present Charlotte with tales the likes of which she has never heard at school: fantastic, weird, and probably fictional. As many of the crewmembers are illiterate, their culture is an oral one. (That means their stories are not written in books, but are spoken out loud.) While Charlotte finds the sailors' world fascinating, she also believes her presence is improving them. Do you think this is true? Are they also, perhaps, improving her?
Quote #5
Beyond all else I had been educated to the belief that when I was wrong - and how often my patient father found me at fault - it was my responsibility – mine alone – to admit my fault and make amends.
Gradually then, I came to believe that no matter how distasteful, I must beg the captain's forgiveness. And the sooner I did so, the better. (12.6-12.7)
Charlotte reveals what a huge influence her father has been on her education – and how his teachings and values still very much influence her behavior even out on her own. Also, Charlotte appears to be taking responsibility for herself, but what real good comes out of her apology to the captain? What would you have done?
Quote #6
"I want to show that I stand with you," I pleaded. "That I made a mistake."
"A mistake?" Foley snapped. "Two able-bodied men have died!"
"Besides," Dillingham agreed, "you'll bring more trouble than good."
"You can teach me," I offered.
"God's fist," Grimes cried. "She thinks this a school." (13.7-13.11)
Charlotte finally realizes that the men have something to teach her. Notice how Charlotte's and the crew's ideas about education are very different. Grimes scoffs at the idea that the ship is a school or that Charlotte could become their student. How is learning different in each environment? How is it similar?