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Copywork
About This Passage
This passage is a study in moral courage rendered through syntax. Long, subordinated sentences pile up Henderson's reasoning and resolve, the parenthetical aside isolates Block's silent shame, and the chapter's longest clauses finally break into the clipped command 'Hard-a-lee!' Copying it teaches how sentence length and a sudden short clause can dramatize a decision.
Henderson, the first mate, now took the matter up, being justly indignant, as well as the whole ship’s crew, at a speech evincing such a degree of heartless atrocity. He spoke plainly, seeing himself ...
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Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Summarize this chapter, then explain what you think Poe most wanted the reader to feel as the boys' frolic turns to terror. What techniques does Poe use to achieve that effect?
Discussion Questions
- Pym realizes that Augustus's drunkenness, 'like madness, frequently enables the victim to imitate the outward demeanor of one in perfect possession of his senses.' How does Poe use this idea to control what the reader believes before the collapse, and why does the order in which he reveals the truth matter? Use details from the chapter.
- Pym hides his 'trepidation' and keeps a 'resolute silence' instead of urging Augustus to turn back. Some readers would call that cowardice; make the strongest case that Pym's silence is understandable, then explain whether it is finally wise or foolish. Use details from the chapter.
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
A show of calm unconcern, whether real or pretended.
Item 2
A feeling of fear or nervous worry about what may come.
Item 3
A sudden, terrible disaster.
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Critical Thinking
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