The Finest Hour Chapters 6-12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does the author flashback to explain the relationship between Bernie and Miriam?

The author flashes back to add more emotion on how Bernie's feeling and to show how he had to work through Bernie being gone.

What does the GC 36500 look like, based on the description by the author of pages 40-41?

It was 36 ft and 8 inches long with a ten foot beam and 3 foot draft. The boat weighed a solid 20,000 pounds.

Despite how their boat was built to withstand anything, why was Bernie worried about the task ahead of them?

The Chatham Bar was known for being dangerous.

What does Webber's decision to keep going despite feeling like they would die reveal about him?

He is selfless and would put others' lives before his own; he's determined to save the men on the boat. Signup and view all the answers

What happened each time Bernie Webber and his crew tried to rescue the men on the sinking ship during a previous mission?

Each time they had to return to shore. The rescues kept getting tossed into the water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the epiphany that makes Bernie keep pushing forward?

Bernie believed God was his witness and God sent him to do this mission. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to their rescue boat?

The boat gets picked up by a wave, they are thrown, the boat turns around, the windshield breaks, and they lose direction. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author start chapter 7 the way he does?

It was a coincidence that the newspaper came out the same day that the incident was occurring. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author include the news reporter's, townspeople's, and radio station stories?

To show the outlook on the situation from different perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What's the history of the town, Chatham, and its dependence on the sea?

William Nickerson was the first to settle in Chatham. He traded for four square miles of land. Signup and view all the answers

What's the significance of the mooncussers described in this chapter?

They were men who stole mariners' goods. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use details to reveal how cold it was that night?

Carmichael said at one point, my head felt so numb I rubbed my head over it and felt something. It was a big clump of ice, and when I pulled on it, a big patch of hair came with it. Signup and view all the answers

What risks were Captain Naab and his men taking in order to save the men on Ft. Mercer?

Their boat could have capsized and they could have gotten hypothermia which would mean no one would get saved. Signup and view all the answers

If the rescuers survive, what kind of shape will they be in?

They would be frozen to the bone and feel terrible about not being able to save anyone; they would be depleted from energy. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the rescuers frustrated?

They weren't going to the Pendleton but had to head to the Fort Mercer and had to redirect because they found no one. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bangs and his family see when they observed the Pendleton?

All the men had fallen off. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the one man they could see on the Pendleton?

He jumped and was almost saved but the sea swept him away. Signup and view all the answers

Were there any other survivors in the boat?

From the looks of it, everyone drowned. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the men on the Mercer decide they needed to move locations on the boat?

The boat took on water and might be trapped. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the radio operator as he tried to make it across the boat?

He slipped and was swept into the water. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the three men who tried to jump into the lifeboats sent by the Yakuat?

All three missed the target and had been swept away. Signup and view all the answers

How might George Myers' confidence and attitude help the rest of the crew?

He shot off flare guns hoping someone would see them and has faith they will make it back to shore. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Relationship Insights

Flashbacks reveal Bernie and Miriam's emotional connection, illustrating the impact of Bernie's absence on their relationship.

GC 36500 Specifications

The GC 36500 measures 36 feet 8 inches long, with a 10-foot beam and a 3-foot draft.
The boat's total weight is 20,000 pounds.

Chatham Bar Dangers

Despite sturdy construction, Bernie worries about the perilous conditions of the Chatham Bar, known for its treacherous waters.

Webber's Character

Webber’s selflessness is highlighted as he prioritizes the safety of others over his own concerns, displaying determination to save stranded men.

Past Rescue Attempts

Bernie recalls a failed rescue mission with multiple attempts, leading to despair as their efforts to save a sinking ship result in returning to shore each time.

Bernie’s Epiphany

A spiritual moment inspires Bernie to press forward, believing he has divine support in his mission.

Boat Misfortunes

The rescue boat is violently tossed by waves, leading to broken equipment and loss of navigational control.

Chapter Opening Significance

Coincidental timing of a newspaper report on the same day as the rescue incident serves to heighten the narrative's urgency.

Multiple Perspectives

Inclusion of various viewpoints from reporters, townspeople, and radio stations enriches the narrative, providing a broader understanding of the situation.

Chatham’s Maritime History

William Nickerson, the first settler, traded for land, indicating early dependence on the sea for the town’s livelihood.

Mooncussers’ Role

Mooncussers were notorious figures who plundered shipwrecks, highlighting the historical dangers facing seafarers.

Cold Weather Conditions

Descriptions of extreme cold, such as Carmichael discovering ice clumps in his hair, emphasize the severity of the conditions faced during the rescue.

Risks During Rescue

The team led by Captain Naab confronts significant dangers, including the risk of capsizing their boat and hypothermia, threatening their mission.

Condition of Rescuers

If successful, rescuers anticipate feeling exhausted and physically drained, with a strong sense of disappointment if they can’t save anyone.

Frustrated Rescuers

Rescuers express frustration in being redirected from the Pendleton to Fort Mercer without locating survivors.

Pendleton's Tragedy

Observers see that all crew members have fallen overboard, indicating a tragedy with no visible survivors.

Survivor Search Challenges

One man on the Pendleton attempts to jump to safety but is swept away by turbulent seas, accentuating the chaos.

Mercer Survivors

Evidence suggests that the majority of those aboard the Pendleton likely perished, as no survivors are apparent.

Location Change Decision

Crew members on the Mercer realize they must relocate to prevent capsizing due to flooding.

Radio Operator Incident

The radio operator slips and falls into the turbulent ocean while trying to navigate across the boat, highlighting the dire situation.

Lifeboat Failures

Three men trying to reach lifeboats sent by the Yukuat miss their targets and are swept away, illustrating the peril they face.

Impact of George Myers

Myers’ confidence boosts crew morale; his efforts, such as firing flare guns, instill hope of rescue while maintaining faith in their return to safety.

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Description

Explore key concepts and character relationships in chapters 6-12 of 'The Finest Hour'. This quiz provides insights into the characters Bernie and Miriam, as well as critical details about the GC 36500 boat description. Test your knowledge and understanding of these chapters with flashcards designed for easy review.