Captains Courageous: Analysis of Major Characters
"Captains Courageous: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the transformative journey of Harvey Cheyne, a privileged fifteen-year-old who is unexpectedly immersed in the rough life of a fishing schooner after being washed overboard. Initially an arrogant and petulant boy, Harvey's experiences aboard the We’re Here compel him to develop self-reliance and resilience, ultimately evolving into a more mature individual by the end of the voyage. The character of Dan Troop, the skipper's son, serves as a companion to Harvey and represents a contrasting perspective, as he initially believes Harvey's tales of wealth but later respects him for his abilities. Disko Troop, the stern owner and captain of the We’re Here, starts off resentful of Harvey's presence but grows to admire his quick learning and work ethic. The presence of Mr. Cheyne, Harvey's wealthy father, underscores the impact of class and privilege, with Mr. Cheyne's delight at his son's transformation highlighting the narrative's focus on personal growth. Other crew members, such as Long Jack, Manuel, Salters, and the Cook, contribute to the diverse dynamics aboard the ship, each playing a role in Harvey's development during this pivotal summer. Overall, the analysis illustrates the interplay between class, personal development, and the realities of life at sea.
Captains Courageous: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rudyard Kipling
First published: 1897
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Grand Banks of Newfoundland
Plot: Adventure
Time: The 1890's
Harvey Cheyne, the fifteen-year-old son of an American millionaire. Washed overboard from the liner he is taking from America to Europe, he is picked up by the We're Here,a schooner out of Gloucester bound for the Grand Banks. Young Harvey is forced to live from May until the following September aboard the fishing schooner. He is arrogant and peevish at first, but by the time the ship returns to Gloucester, he has changed. He is now a self-reliant young man who has proved himself in a rigorous environment.
Dan Troop, the son of the schooner's skipper and a boy of about Harvey's age. Dan believes Harvey's account of his family's wealth and influence, but he and the cook are the only people aboard who do accept the story as true. Later in life, Dan becomes mate on one of the fast freighters Harvey owns.
Disko Troop, the owner and skipper of the We're Here. He resents Harvey's presence aboard his schooner and meets the youth's insolence with hard discipline. As the voyage continues, Troop learns to respect the boy's quick grasp of the principles of navigation and his good work generally aboard the schooner. When the We're Here is first back to Gloucester with a full ship, Troop's respect for Harvey is complete.
Mr. Cheyne, Harvey's father, a wealthy ship owner who has risen from poverty to wealth through sea trade. Mr. Cheyne is delighted to see the change the tour at sea has effected in his son.
Long Jack, Manuel, Salters, Pennsylvania, and The Cook, crew members aboard the We're Here.