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Copywork
About This Passage
As their friend Augustus grows very sick, the narrator and Peters do all they can to ease his suffering, even giving him three times his share of the scarce water. Copying it shows how Poe lets two starving, exhausted men still think first of a friend in need, and how 'trebled' quietly measures the size of their kindness.
We did every thing in our power for his comfort, and trebled his allowance of water.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell what happens in this chapter in order: how the narrator and Peters care for their sick friend Augustus, who grows weaker and dies; how they grieve for him; how the wreck rolls over and they are thrown into the sea but climb back and find food on the ship's bottom; how they catch crabs and rain to stay alive; and how, at last, a ship called the Jane Guy comes and saves them. Slow down at the moment you find most hopeful and tell what you think about it.
Discussion Questions
- When their friend Augustus grows very sick from his hurt arm, the narrator and Peters do everything they can for him and give him three times his share of the water. Why do you think the narrator and Peters act this way toward Augustus when they are starving too? What part of the chapter helps you decide?
- After Augustus dies, the narrator and Peters can barely speak or move, sitting by their friend all day and whispering. How does the loss of Augustus change things for the two friends who are left? What part of the chapter helps you decide?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
Kindness shown to someone in need.
Item 2
Dull, sad, and miserable.
Item 3
Dark and full of sadness.
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Critical Thinking
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