317 Questions
What does Sophie's father call her?
Three-sided Sophie
What does the sea symbolize for Sophie?
Freedom and adventure
What does Sophie's dream about the wall of water represent?
Fear of the unknown and uncontrollable
What does Sophie's father believe will happen if she gets the three sides together?
She will be all set
What is the protagonist's age?
Thirteen
Who accompanies the protagonist on the sailboat?
Her aunts and uncles
What is the protagonist's family's recent location?
Near the Ohio River
What is the protagonist's dream adventure?
Sailing on the open ocean
When is the protagonist's sailing adventure scheduled to begin?
After the end of the school year
Who expresses concerns about the trip not being suitable for a girl?
The uncles
Who is a key figure in the protagonist's life?
Her grandfather, Bompie
What is the source of comfort for the protagonist's mother?
Bompie's presence on the other side of the ocean
What is an important event for the protagonist's family?
Bompie's decision to return to England
Where does the protagonist yearn to sail?
The open sea
What does the protagonist's mother worry about?
The protagonist's safety
Who insists on driving the protagonist to meet her uncles and cousins?
Her parents
Who proposed a redesign for the bilge on The Wanderer?
Sophie
What did Cody choose as a summer project instead of reading books?
Keeping a 'dog-log'
Who keeps the official captain's log with neat maps charting the journey?
Uncle Dock
Where did the crew embark on a journey from, heading towards England?
Connecticut
What was Uncle Dock's estimate for the journey's duration?
Three to four weeks
Who did not participate in the repairing, redesigning, and cleaning of The Wanderer?
Uncle Mo
What was Sophie's assigned task on The Wanderer?
Cleaning the boat's bilge
Where did the crew make stops during the journey's first leg?
Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Cape Cod
What did the crew have to do daily during the journey?
Chores
What was the crew's summer project instead of reading books?
Keeping a 'dog-log'
Who estimated the journey's duration to be three to four weeks?
Uncle Dock
What did Sophie reminisce about during the journey towards Block Island?
Her previous visit to Block Island with her parents and grandfather
What is the protagonist considering teaching their boat family?
Stories taught by Bompie
What does the protagonist express frustration about?
Their father's behavior
Where does the group anchor The Wanderer?
Block Island
What does the protagonist yearn for?
The open ocean and the freedom of sailing
Who does the protagonist seek solace from?
Sophie and Brian
What is Brian's behavior described as?
Annoying
What does the protagonist admire about Sophie?
Her positive attitude despite being an orphan
What unexpected tenderness does Cody show?
Towards a fuzzy chick
What does the protagonist experience while up the mast and on the boat?
A sense of freedom and adventure
What does the text capture about the protagonist's relationships with their boat family?
Their ambivalence towards the journey and complex relationships
What is the protagonist uncomfortable with but understands its necessity?
Clubbing and gutting fish
What does the protagonist express a desire to do?
Catch fish and be a voyager
Who is described as a worrier and a stickler for organization during the boat preparation?
Uncle Stew
What is the name of the boat being prepared for the journey?
The Wanderer
Which family member is described as laid-back and relaxed, often barking orders at his son?
Uncle Mo
What does Brian focus on during the boat preparation?
Organizing and making lists
Who is depicted as a charming and fit individual, attracting attention from girls at the boatyard?
Cody
How long does the family spend preparing the boat in Connecticut?
Two weeks
What adds to the discomfort and tension during the preparations for the journey?
Intense heat reaching ninety-five degrees most days
Who understands and supports Sophie's desire to sail?
Sophie's father
What type of boat is The Wanderer?
45-foot sailboat
Who seems to have selective deafness according to the text?
Cody
Which family member remains calm and unfazed despite mishaps and work that needs to be done?
Uncle Dock
What part of the boat requires extensive repairs and maintenance before it is ready for the sea?
Rudder, keel, bilge, electrics, and sprucing up
What did Cody try to teach the crew, which ended in frustration?
Juggling
What activity did Brian criticize and find pointless during the journey's preparations?
Juggling lessons
What is the crew's next destination after departing from their current location?
Nova Scotia
What did Sophie admit to Brian when he asked about her preference between him and someone else?
She likes the other person better
What was the reason Bompie decided to cross the train tracks despite the warnings?
He didn't want to walk two miles down to the pedestrian bridge due to bad weather
What did Bompie hear when he was in the middle of the train tracks?
He heard the train rumbling
What was the weather like when Bompie decided to cross the train tracks?
It was windy and rainy
What term does Uncle Dock use to describe the wind?
Capricious lady
What did Uncle Stew emphasize the crew should learn for their safety?
Sextant readings
Where does the crew sail through towards Grand Manan Island?
Gulf of Maine
What challenges did the crew encounter during the journey?
Tacking, heeling, and leaks
What did the crew adjust during foggy conditions?
Shifts
What did Sophie express exhaustion about?
Learning about sailing
What caused tensions among the crew?
Cody's lack of seriousness
What did the dolphins provide during the journey?
Grace and beauty
What did Sophie dream about during the journey?
Being lost at sea
What did the text capture about life on board the Wanderer?
Challenge, beauty, and tension
What does the protagonist suspect about Uncle Dock?
He may be intentionally delaying the trip
What does the protagonist reflect on the importance of documenting?
Her experiences and memories
What is the protagonist's reaction to the gender stereotypes and expectations she faces?
Admits to reacting rudely at times
What is the activity the group engages in with Frank's elderly father?
Clamming
What is the protagonist drawn to during the clamming experience?
The close-knit community and family life on Grand Manan
What is the clam digging process described as?
Challenging due to the presence of seaweed, water, and deep-buried clams
What does the text overall touch on?
Themes of family, gender roles, personal reflection, and the protagonist's experiences during the trip
What is the protagonist's mother worried and concerned about?
Her safety while on the trip
What does the protagonist suspect about Bompie, her grandfather?
He seemed confused and called her by her grandmother's name
How does Cody handle stereotypical comments?
With humor
What does the protagonist appreciate gaining during the clamming experience?
Insights into her uncles
What does the protagonist reflect on the sense of during the clamming experience?
Life and family on Grand Manan
What is the name of the boat the group goes lobstering on?
Frank's Fortitude
What does the group encounter in the lobster pots during their lobstering trip?
Empty lobster pots
What do the characters learn about from Frank during their lobstering trip?
Sea fleas
What is the harbor at Seal Cove described as?
A bustling fishing hub
What does Sophie tell a vivid story about during their journey?
A car and a creek
What do the characters do with a female lobster during their lobstering trip?
Throw it back into the water
What is the main focus of the text during the characters' time on Grand Manan?
The island's unique lifestyle
What is the topic of discussion among the characters during their sailing journey?
Uncle Stew and Sophie's real parents
What does the text highlight about the characters' attitudes during their fishing trip?
Their different attitudes towards fishing and boats
What do the characters experience upon arriving at Seal Cove on Grand Manan?
Warm welcome by locals
What does the text vividly describe during the characters' time on Grand Manan?
The sights and smells of the fishing environment
What do the characters immerse themselves in during their time on Grand Manan?
The fish and fishing culture
What is the significance of Uncle Mo shortening his name to Mo?
To avoid being bullied
Why did Uncle Dock change his name to Dock?
To fit in with his crewmates
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding Bompie's real name?
The significance of names in shaping identity
What advice does Sophie share about the journey?
The significance of enjoying the journey, not just the destination
What fascinates Sophie during the journey?
Sophie's fascination with lobster pots
What causes tension between Brian and Sophie?
A clamming story involving Bompie
Why does the protagonist question her father's motive for inviting her on the trip?
The protagonist is suspicious of her father's intentions
What does Sophie share about Bompie's early life?
Living near the Ohio River at a young age
What does the protagonist reflect on in the absence of Brian's lessons?
The freedom from Brian's lectures
What does the protagonist's mom offer her regarding the trip?
A chance to change her mind about the trip
What does the protagonist observe about Sophie's fascination with simple things?
It reflects Sophie's appreciation for the journey
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding being stranded on land?
The absence of Brian's lessons
What does Uncle Dock's announcement of 'zero hour' indicate?
They are leaving immediately
How does Sophie react to the frenzied atmosphere during the initial hours of departure?
She remains composed and collected
What captures Uncle Mo's attention as they leave the Bay of Fundy?
Seals surrounding the boat
How does Brian react to the presence of the seals?
He is captivated and silent
What did the protagonist worry about while on the boat?
The various personalities on the boat
What did Uncle Mo do as a career?
Work with numbers on a computer
What did the protagonist's father suggest doing after an emotional phone call with the protagonist's mother?
Getting pizza
What did the protagonist express a desire not to end up in?
A job they don't want
What did the protagonist recall Bompie's words about?
Suffering building character in times of hardship
What did the group witness during their sailing journey?
Phosphorescent plankton
What did the protagonist's father's behavior seem like after the phone call with the protagonist's mother?
Different
What did the group experience despite the challenges and uncertainties at sea?
A sense of adventure and freedom
What did the protagonist reflect on regarding Bompie's real name?
The importance of documenting
What did the protagonist's father suggest doing after an emotional phone call with the protagonist's mother?
Getting pizza
What did the protagonist's father's behavior seem like after the phone call with the protagonist's mother?
Different
What did the group experience despite the challenges and uncertainties at sea?
A sense of adventure and freedom
What does Sophie find interesting and exciting to learn from her dad?
Radio code
What did Uncle Stew used to work in before feeling despondent and lost?
Insurance
What does Sophie dream about, imagining their reunion in England?
Bompie
What activity does the crew encounter during the journey, making the sea seem like a horror movie?
Encountering spooky fog
What does Sophie find cool and exciting to continue learning?
Radio code
What does Uncle Stew worry about when the crew encounters a lone sailor in distress?
The sailor's safety
What does Sophie feel conflicted about the idea of using to communicate with her father?
Ham radio
What does Sophie spell in radio code and find cool?
Her name
What did Sophie ask Uncle Stew about, expressing interest in its usefulness?
Life insurance
What does Uncle Stew admit to feeling after losing his job?
Despondent and lost
What does the crew spend their time doing on The Wanderer?
Trimming sails and cooking
What does Uncle Stew express uncertainty about after losing his job?
What he wants to do next
What task was involved in repairing the mainsail?
Sewing and installing new grommets
What defused the intense argument between Uncle Stew and Uncle Mo?
Intervention by Uncle Dock
What did Cody use to mock Uncle Stew?
Newfound knowledge
What was used for repairs while working on the boat?
Bosun's chair and harness
What led to tension among the crew?
Main sail damage
What did the crew use to refer to each other?
Phonetic alphabet
What facilitated the repair work on the boat?
Sunlight
What did the crew learn about during their time on the boat?
Ocean's moods
What did the repair work involve on the outhaul line?
Sewing and installing new grommets
What did the boat's movement respond to?
Waves
What led to verbal altercation between Uncle Stew and Cody?
Terminology
What did the crew face consequences for?
Mishandling the mainsail
What recurring dream does the narrator share during the journey?
Encountering a towering wave
What does the crew mistake for approaching vessels during foggy weather?
Rain clouds
What activity does the crew learn and practice during the journey?
Knot tying
What does the narrator express a love for during the journey?
The simplicity and freedom of life at sea
What causes tension and uncertainty for the crew during the journey?
Mistaking radar blips for approaching vessels
What does the crew encounter with a tangled bird during the journey?
A tangled fishing line
How does the narrator feel about the constant effort required for everyday tasks on the boat?
Fulfilled
What does the crew have a fondness for, considering them as messengers?
Dolphins
What does the crew experience due to the constant effort required for even the simplest of actions?
Fatigue
What does the crew feel despite the challenges faced during the journey?
Unity
What rare moment of agreement and appreciation does the narrator share with their father?
Watching dolphins
What does the narrator find solace in during the journey?
The simplicity and freedom of life at sea
What did Uncle Dock trade for the boat's use?
His best fishing rod
What was the reaction of Rosalie upon seeing the whale?
She opened her mouth in a big wide 'O' and her eyes were big and bright
What was Uncle Dock's response when asked about Rosalie?
She married somebody else
How did Brian respond when Sophie asked if he found whales amazing?
He said 'Enh'
What caused the main sail to rip along the top?
The grommets at the top of the sails were popping out
What happened to the mizzen sail during the challenging weather?
It tore
What did Uncle Mo commend Cody for knowing?
A few things
What did the crew struggle to put up during the storm?
The heavy-duty storm trysail
What did the crew struggle to secure during the storm?
The main boom
What did the crew use for repairs while working on the boat?
Duct tape
What did the crew encounter with a tangled bird during the journey?
A cormorant
What did Sophie find interesting and exciting to learn from her dad?
Clam digging techniques
What led to a verbal altercation between Uncle Stew and Cody?
Crew hygiene
What did the protagonist admire about Sophie?
Her determination
What does the crew fear for during the storm?
Their safety
What does the crew encounter in the lobster pots during their lobstering trip?
Crabs
What does the protagonist yearn for during the journey?
Adventure
What did the crew adjust during foggy conditions?
Sails
What is the source of comfort for the protagonist's mother?
The protagonist's letters
What did the protagonist's father suggest doing after an emotional phone call with the protagonist's mother?
Writing a letter
What weather phenomenon does Uncle Stew warn about due to the combination of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream?
Sudden, violent storms
What does Uncle Stew order to be turned off during a thunderstorm to avoid being a lightning rod?
Electrics
What does the crew attempt to do nearly every night through ham radio?
Contact familiar voices
What does the narrator reflect on after a conversation with Uncle Dock?
The importance of self-reliance
What does the little kid still dream about, causing concern for Sophie?
A wave coming
What does Sophie do below deck, showing signs of worry about the little kid?
Suffocates
What did the little kid's mother do to save the little kid from drowning?
Performed CPR
According to Uncle Stew, what does the combination of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream create?
Interesting weather patterns
What does the crew experience while sailing through a thunderstorm, feeling alive and working together with the boat?
Excitement and challenge
What does the crew encounter with a tangled bird during the journey?
A bird caught in fishing lines
What does Sophie share about Bompie's early life?
His childhood trauma
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding Bompie's real name?
Its connection to the sea
What was the reason for the crew's stops at Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Grand Manan?
To visit places connected to Rosalie
What did Rosalie do when she went to Grand Manan after her husband passed away?
Went to see the whales and visit Frank
What causes Sophie to wonder if they are really going to Bompie?
The uncertainty of Rosalie's current whereabouts
What does Uncle Dock's emotional attachment to Rosalie lead him to do?
Frequently visit places connected to her
What caused tension among the crew?
Sophie's reluctance to disclose her nightmares
What did Sophie experience during their time on the sailboat?
Peacefulness and contentment
What did Sophie find difficult during their time on the boat?
Sleeping due to various disturbances
What did Uncle Dock's existential question about life lead to?
A moment of contemplation for Sophie
What did Sophie recall about a little kid's experience?
Being engulfed by a wall of water at the ocean
What added to Sophie's concern for her sister on the boat?
Sophie's sister's refusal to disclose nightmares
What was the cause of tension between Uncle Stew and Brian?
Uncle Stew's reprimand for leaving a line loose on deck
What did the crew experience during their time on the boat?
Challenging conditions including rain, fog, and crashing waves
What is the main focus of the characters' discussions about Bompie's stories?
The repeated risky behavior and lack of punishment
What do the characters express a desire to be during their observations of marine life?
Fish or bird
What themes does the text convey through the characters' interactions and reflections?
Trust, curiosity, and resilience
What is the significance of Uncle Mo's reflection on the dolphins?
Reminder of childhood curiosity and energy
What do the characters observe near the boat, leading to a sense of trust and invitation?
Dolphins and whales playing
What does the text capture about the characters' evolving relationships?
Their personal growth and connections to the natural world
What does Sophie share a story about, defying a prohibition and facing consequences?
Bompie swimming in a dangerous place
What is the characters' emotional response to the marine environment and the stories they share?
Personal growth and connections to the natural world
What does Brian discuss, teasing Sophie about her fascination with marine creatures?
Orphan dolphins
What do the characters' observations of marine life and their discussions about Bompie's stories reflect?
Their individual perspectives and attitudes
What does the text provide a vivid depiction of?
The marine environment and the characters' interactions
What do the characters navigate as they contemplate life's complexities?
Their evolving relationships with the natural world and each other
What did Uncle Dock instruct Cody to do when he was swept off his feet by a monstrous wave?
Put on a safety harness
What was Sophie's immediate action when the wind howled and tried to blow them over?
Lock down the wheel
What was the crew's current situation when the wind shifted and they were making their course without any sails?
The wind was pushing them along at great speed
What did Cody shout down about while Uncle Stew and Brian were trying to fix the trysail?
The mizzen boom had broken
What was the physical toll of the boat disaster on the group?
Injuries and seasickness affected everyone.
What emotions did Sophie experience after the boat disaster?
Fragmented and vulnerable.
What haunted Sophie after the boat disaster?
The memory of the massive wave that hit the boat.
What did Sophie reflect on regarding the physical remnants of the disaster?
The safety harness that saved lives.
What remained a concern regarding Cody after the boat disaster?
His injuries, with his face still showing the effects of the boat's impact.
What did the group struggle with after the boat disaster?
Navigating the damaged boat.
How did Sophie feel emotionally after the boat disaster?
Fragmented and vulnerable.
What did the boat suffer from extensively during the disaster?
Broken equipment, ripped canvas, and waterlogged interiors.
What did Sophie do for Cody after the boat disaster?
Tended to his head injuries and comforted him.
What did the group fear after the boat disaster?
A repeat of the disaster and struggling to find stability.
What did the group struggle with during the boat disaster?
Navigating the damaged boat.
What did Sophie feel constantly haunted by after the boat disaster?
The memory of the massive wave that hit the boat.
What was the crew's primary concern during the force-ten gale?
Potential damage to the boat
What did the crew rely on as they battled ferocious wind and waves?
The belief that the wind would die down soon
What caused conflict among the crew in task assignments?
Physical strength being the basis for assignments
What did the crew fear during the intense battle with wind and waves?
The force-ten gale
What was the protagonist's frustration related to while being stuck at the helm?
Wanting to do other tasks on the boat
What was the primary reason for not raising the storm sail?
Concerns about damaging the sail
What did the crew hope for during the treacherous conditions at sea?
Calmer weather
What did the crew experience during the heated altercation on deck?
A potential accident
What did Uncle Dock emphasize the need for in the face of relentless waves and wind?
Courage
What was the protagonist's father reflecting on and expressing regret about?
Their relationship
What did the crew feel while facing the harsh conditions at sea?
Loneliness and vulnerability
What did the story about Bompie's experience with the ocean highlight?
The struggle and exhaustion Bompie faced
What method does the crew use for navigation after the GPS fails?
Sextant
What does Cody reflect on during the journey?
The importance of feeling useful and being noticed
Who does Cody contact for help during the journey?
Canadian warship
What is the crew's reaction to Cody's efforts?
Grateful
What tradition does Cody reference when asking for pie?
Surviving a storm
What is the crew's initial method of communication after the GPS, ham radio, and radar fail?
Signal flags
What is the crew's condition after surviving a wave?
Fearful and exhausted
What is the state of the boat after an accident?
Soaked and in need of repair
What does Bompie's reconciliation with his father relate to?
Illness
What is the crew's primary focus after the electronic systems fail?
Repairing the boat
What is the crew's living condition on the boat?
Partly dry forecabin
What equipment does the crew use for navigation after the GPS fails?
Sextant
What does Cody insist on despite Sophie's belief that the weather is improving?
Sophie wear a safety harness
Who believes it is Sophie's story to tell about what happened to her parents?
Uncle Dock
What does the crew mistake for approaching vessels during foggy weather?
Flocks of seagulls
What does Uncle Stew, known as I-Never-Get-Seasick Stew, surprisingly experience?
Seasickness
What happens to Sophie despite her warning?
She is thrown overboard
What is the crew's reaction to the massive wave approaching the boat?
Chaos and struggle
What does the crew's movements on deck appear to be despite the choppy seas?
Graceful and choreographed
What does Uncle Dock believe it is Sophie's responsibility to do?
Tell the story of what happened to her parents
What does Uncle Stew help Sophie do after she is thrown overboard?
Get back inside the boat
What does Sophie fear has happened to her after the wave hits?
Her legs are broken
What is the crew's main challenge in the text?
Surviving the storm at sea
What is evident about the crew as they face the dangerous conditions?
Their determination to survive
What does Brian whisper to the narrator about Sophie?
He wonders how she knows the Bompie stories and if she made them up.
What does the narrator wonder about Sophie's parents?
How they died, whether from a disease, and their sequence of passing.
What does Brian solemnly refer to as 'the question of the century'?
Whether Sophie would exist if certain events had unfolded differently.
What does Sophie ponder while everyone looks at her?
Whether she would exist if certain events had unfolded differently.
What does Uncle Dock receive from Sophie, meant for Rosalie?
A drawing of three whales
What does Uncle Mo gift Sophie?
A drawing of her swinging in a bosun’s chair with dolphins below
What do Sierra, Brian, and Sophie plan to explore on a raft?
The Ohio River
What do the family plan to build recalling Bompie's past?
A blue raft named The Blue Bopper Wanderer
What does Sophie express concern about and suggest sailing to?
Bompie falling overboard and sailing to Spain
What does Uncle Stew find a job doing?
Charting the ocean bottom
What does Sophie's dad enroll in at night?
Art classes
What does the family enjoy for a homecoming meal?
Barbecued chicken and corn on the cob
What do Sierra, Brian, and Sophie plan to meet at Sophie’s to explore?
The Ohio River
What does Uncle Dock inform about The Wanderer?
It is fixed and plans to take Bompie on a sail next month
What does Sophie speculate about?
Her early memories and her first Bompie and parents
What do Sophie and Cody reminisce about?
Their trip on The Wanderer, including their various stops
What familial bond is revealed through the letters addressed to the protagonist?
A bond between the protagonist and Bompie
What does Bompie express his desire to be surrounded by in England?
Roses and lavender
What does Brian commit to learning how to make, showcasing a commitment to family traditions?
Apple pie
What causes a family argument regarding Bompie's living situation?
Whether Bompie should be taken back to America
What is the primary focus of the narrative?
Family dynamics
What does the protagonist offer to do for Bompie?
Take care of him for the summer
What does Uncle Mo use to make the apple pie, highlighting a family tradition?
A recipe from Grandma's cookbook
What does the protagonist recall about a traumatic experience involving a boat, cold, and loss?
It is actually the protagonist's story, not Bompie's
What does the narrative capture about the family dynamics and decision-making?
Complexities of decision-making and familial relationships
What does the family share a poignant moment over, highlighting a family tradition?
An apple pie
What is the source of tension in the family regarding Bompie's living situation?
Whether Bompie should be taken back to America
What decision does the protagonist make regarding taking care of Bompie?
Offering to take care of him for the summer
What did Uncle Dock reveal about his relationship with Rosalie?
He proposed to her and she felt it was too soon to consider marriage
What did the family present Bompie and other members with?
Personalized drawings created by Uncle Mo
What does Cody surprise Uncle Mo with?
A drawing of him
What do the drawings created by Uncle Mo evoke from the recipients?
Strong emotions and admiration
What does Brian express sadness at?
Uncle Dock sacrificing his own happiness to care for Bompie
What do the family's gift exchange demonstrate?
Their close-knit relationship and the significance of their shared experiences on The Wanderer
What does Bompie's enthusiastic reaction to the drawings reflect?
The emotional impact of the family's gesture and the value of their time together
What does Uncle Mo impress everyone with?
His juggling skills
What does Uncle Dock decide to do after the family discusses the issue of taking care of Bompie?
Stay in England to look after Bompie
What did the family plan to do after reflecting on the possibility of Rosalie changing her mind and Bompie's health improving?
Visit them in England and take another trip on The Wanderer
What does Cody surprise Uncle Mo with?
A drawing of him
What did Uncle Dock reveal about Rosalie's departure?
She left for Spain
What is the condition of Bompie's cottage as described in the text?
Picturesque, with roses and lavender, and tiny rooms and fireplaces
How is Bompie's appearance described in the text?
Having a gentle round face, pale complexion, and wisps of gray hair
What does Sophie's storytelling seem to trigger in Bompie's memories?
Incidents involving water
What does Bompie's confusion lead to?
Mistaking the visitors for other people, showing signs of memory loss
How does Bompie initially react to the visitors' presence?
Didn't recognize the visitors and slept most of the time during their first day there
How long does the group feel like they have been at Bompie's cottage?
More than a week
What does the narrator and their companions find with the help of a neighbor?
Bompie's house, Walnut Tree Cottage
What does Sophie struggle to recall from Bompie's past?
The parts about struggling in the water
What seems to engage Bompie and prompt him to recall details from his past in Kentucky?
Sophie's storytelling
How is Bompie's memory described when prompted by Sophie?
Recalling past events when prompted by Sophie
How is Bompie's cottage described in terms of its architecture?
Having low ceilings
How is Bompie's confusion described in relation to the visitors?
Mistaking the visitors for others
Study Notes
Sailing Adventure Preparations
- The protagonist, Sophie, aspires to sail across the ocean, but her family and teachers do not support her adventurous spirit.
- Sophie's mother gives her a journal to document her journey, while her father understands and supports her desire to sail.
- Sophie's uncles and cousins, including Uncle Dock, Uncle Mo, Uncle Stew, Brian, and Cody, are involved in preparing the boat, named The Wanderer, for the journey.
- The Wanderer is a 45-foot sailboat with sleeping quarters for six, a galley, a bathroom, and navigation equipment.
- The boat requires extensive repairs and maintenance before it is ready for the sea, including work on the rudder, keel, bilge, electrics, and sprucing up.
- Brian is focused on organizing and making lists, while Uncle Stew is portrayed as a worrier and a stickler for organization.
- Uncle Mo is described as laid-back and relaxed, often barking orders at his son Cody, who seems to have selective deafness.
- Cody is depicted as a charming and fit individual who attracts attention from girls at the boatyard.
- Despite mishaps and work that needs to be done, Uncle Dock remains calm and unfazed, with a "We'll just fix it, yep" attitude.
- The family spends two weeks preparing the boat in Connecticut, facing challenges and disagreements during the process.
- The heat is intense, reaching ninety-five degrees most days, adding to the discomfort and tension during the preparations.
- The family's dynamics and individual personalities add complexity to the boat preparation process, hinting at potential challenges during the upcoming sea journey.
Uncle Mo, Dock, and Stew dreamt of sailing across the ocean since childhood. Uncle Mo's real name is Moses, shortened to Mo to avoid bullying. Uncle Dock's real name is Jonah, changed to Dock due to superstitions about the biblical Jonah. The protagonist reflects on the significance of names and wonders about Bompie's real name. Sophie shares Bompie's advice about the importance of the journey, not just the destination. The protagonist observes Sophie's fascination with simple things like lobster pots and her fear of water. Tension arises between Brian and Sophie over a clamming story involving Bompie. The protagonist's mom offers her a chance to change her mind about the trip. The protagonist questions her father's motive for inviting her on the trip. The protagonist enjoys being away from Brian's lectures but is intrigued by Sophie's Bompie stories. Sophie shares a story about Bompie living near the Ohio River at a young age. The protagonist reflects on being stranded on land and the absence of Brian's lessons.
Life on a Boat
- The narrator describes the challenges of living on a boat, including sleep deprivation, difficulty cooking, and the constant need to brace oneself due to the boat's motion.
- The boat encounters birds and dolphins, and the crew has a fondness for the dolphins, considering them as messengers.
- The crew faces a tense situation in foggy weather, mistaking radar blips for approaching vessels, which turned out to be rain clouds.
- The crew also learns and practices knot tying, with the narrator and another crew member mastering various knots and the radio code.
- The narrator shares a recurring dream about a towering wave, expressing fear and dislike for the dream.
- The crew's morale remains intact, despite the challenges faced, and there is a sense of unity among them.
- The narrator's father, who is also part of the crew, shares a rare moment of agreement and appreciation with the narrator while watching dolphins.
- The narrator expresses a love for living on a boat, feeling like a self-contained unit charging across the ocean with the wind.
- The narrator finds solace in the simplicity and freedom of life at sea, despite the hardships and constant effort required for everyday tasks.
- The crew encounters a dramatic situation with a tangled bird caught in a fishing line, which was successfully rescued by one of the crew members.
- The crew faces a false alarm when mistaking radar blips for approaching vessels during foggy weather, highlighting the tension and uncertainty of life at sea.
- The crew experiences fatigue due to the constant effort required for even the simplest of actions, such as walking and cooking, and the challenges of sleeping on a boat.
Observing Marine Life and Sharing Stories
- The narrator and Brian observe dolphins and whales playing near the boat, feeling a sense of trust and invitation from the animals.
- Uncle Mo sketches the dolphins and reflects on their reminder of childhood curiosity and energy.
- The narrator expresses a desire to be a fish or bird, while Sophie becomes attached to a bird and shows deep interest in marine life.
- Brian discusses orphan dolphins and the narrator teases Sophie about her fascination with marine creatures.
- Sophie shares a story about Bompie, who defies a prohibition to swim in a dangerous place and faces consequences.
- Brian and Sophie speculate about Bompie's repeated risky behavior and the lack of punishment for his actions.
- Brian questions why Bompie continues to go in the water despite the risks, leading to a contemplative moment for Sophie.
- The text provides a vivid depiction of the marine environment and the characters' interactions with marine life and personal stories.
- The characters' observations of marine life and their discussions about Bompie's stories reflect their individual perspectives and attitudes toward risk and consequence.
- The text shows the characters' emotional responses to the marine environment and the stories they share, highlighting their personal growth and connections to the natural world.
- Through the characters' interactions and reflections, the text conveys themes of trust, curiosity, and resilience in the face of risk and consequence.
- The text captures the characters' evolving relationships with the natural world and each other, as they navigate their experiences and contemplate life's complexities.
Surviving a Storm at Sea
- Uncle Stew, known as I-Never-Get-Seasick Stew, is seasick and the rest of the crew is covering his shifts.
- The crew is fighting the wind and struggling to communicate above the noise.
- Uncle Dock believes that it is Sophie's story to tell about what happened to her parents.
- Cody insists that Sophie wear a safety harness, despite her belief that the weather is improving.
- The crew's movements on deck appear graceful and choreographed despite the choppy seas.
- A massive wave, at least fifty feet high and entirely white, approaches the boat.
- Despite Sophie's warning, the wave hits the boat, causing chaos and throwing her overboard.
- Sophie is thrown onto the deck, where Uncle Stew helps her back inside the boat.
- Sophie fears her legs are broken after the wave hits.
- The crew faces the challenge of surviving the storm at sea.
- The crew's efforts to navigate the storm are described in vivid detail.
- The crew's determination to survive is evident as they face the dangerous conditions.
Visiting Bompie's Cottage
- The narrator and their companions have traveled across England and are now near Bompie's village, Windsor Castle.
- They find Bompie's house, Walnut Tree Cottage, with the help of a neighbor and discover Bompie in his bedroom.
- Bompie is in a confused state, mistaking the visitors for others and recalling past events when prompted by Sophie.
- The cottage is described as picturesque, with roses and lavender, and tiny rooms and fireplaces.
- Bompie's appearance is described as having a gentle round face, pale complexion, and wisps of gray hair.
- Sophie recounts stories to Bompie, who remembers most details but struggles to recall the parts about struggling in the water.
- The group spends time at Bompie's cottage, feeling like it has been more than a week since their arrival.
- Bompie initially didn't recognize the visitors and slept most of the time during their first day there.
- Sophie's storytelling seems to engage Bompie, prompting him to recall details from his past in Kentucky.
- Bompie's confusion leads to him mistaking the visitors for other people, showing signs of memory loss.
- Bompie's cottage is described as having low ceilings, and the group spends time with him, listening to Sophie's stories.
- Sophie's storytelling seems to trigger Bompie's memories, particularly about incidents involving water, though he struggles to recall certain details.
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