Discussion Topic
Harvey's feelings towards Dan in Captains Courageous
Summary:
In Captains Courageous, Harvey initially feels disdain and superiority towards Dan, seeing him as just a common fisherman. However, as the story progresses, Harvey grows to respect and admire Dan's skills, work ethic, and character, eventually considering him a true friend and equal.
What are Harvey's feelings towards Dan in chapter 1 of Captains Courageous?
Harvey meets Dan upon waking up in the fishing boat We're Here in chapter 1. He does not seem to think very highly of the boy. He particularly does not like that Dan is telling him what to do when Dan says to hurry up and go above deck to meet with Disko. No one has ever given Harvey a direct order before, and when Dan simply tells him to go talk to his father, Harvey rebuffs the command. The subtext here is that Harvey considers Dan in the same way he would consider any his servants: Dan, and everyone else on the boat for that matter, is beneath him. Of course, throughout the rest of the novel, Harvey ends up learning a lot from Dan, and they end up becoming close friends. For the time being though, Harvey does not seem to think Dan is worth much of his consideration.
What are Harvey's feelings towards Dan in Captains Courageous?
In Captains Courageous, Harvey Cheyne is a wealthy boy who falls overboard and is picked up by a fishing boat. Dan Troop is the captain’s son. Harvey’s arrogance, combined with the improbability of his story, discourages everyone from believing his story except for Dan and the cook. Dan is also a teenager, and Harvey initially is just glad to have someone his own age on board, as the rest are adults. He also appreciates that Dan does not physically attack him, as the adults tend to apply physical discipline. Once Harvey realizes that the fishermen are not going to deviate from their course and take him where he wants to go, he starts to learn the ship’s routine and pick up some rudimentary skills. Dan is a patient teacher for the most part, and Harvey both respects his knowledge and appreciates learning from him. By the time the voyage ends and Harvey is reunited with his family, he is especially glad that Dan never stopped believing him. The class boundaries between the two boys are extended into adulthood, as Harvey hires Dan to work for him when he is old enough to run his own business.