Discussion Questions
In what direction was Henry Hudson initially ordered to travel? What direction does he ultimately take? What does this say about Hudson’s personality?
Hudson was initially ordered to travel for the northeast. In fact, it was strongly recommended for him to do so. However, the man disobeyed and decided to travel in a totally different direction. He was three thousand miles in the opposite direction as he was sailing towards the northwest. The fact that Hudson disobeyed and chose his own way shows that he was very ambitious, risk taking and persistent. He knew what he wanted and followed his own way.
What “wide deep channel” was Hudson and his crew looking for? Why?
Hudson and his crew were searching for wide, deep channel that led to Cathey. Supposedly this river was supposed to be in Asia. Thus, Hudson and his crew were searching for Asia, but they turned to the south and found Indian settlers.
How did Native Americans greed Hudson’s crew? How were they treated in return?
As Hudson claimed, Native Americans were truly frankly and peaceable. They were very nice and they offered their visitor some food. Hudson’s crew was also very peaceable. At the same time they were very curious as they appeared in a totally new and fascinating land.
What commodity interested the Dutch the most when Hudson return to tell of his discoveries.
The Dutch were interested in the possibilities for trade. With the help of Hudson they found out that Indian land was rich in dried currants, oysters, beans. Another offering from the locals was fur.
How are the Dutch origins of New Amsterdam different, say, from the origins of colonial New England or Virginia?
The Dutch origins of New Amsterdam were quite different from colonial New England. At these times people were searching for lucrative trade routes. Due to Hudson, they were the first who found fertile land and friendly people who were ready to share their products. The Dutch were more hospital in comparison to other colonies.
The Harbor
Where is 7 year-old Billy when this chapter opens? How does he feel at the moment? Why is it important for his mother that Billy is here?
When the chapter opens, 7 year-old Billy is at church and he is referred to Henry Ward Beecher. It was truly important for his mom that Billy was there as she wanted him to hear the preacher before he dies. She told her son that he was brought to church when he was very small and that he should listen to Henry Ward Beecher.
What does Billy mean when he says about the minister Henry Ward Beecher “I guess he has never seen it (the harbor) much?” What does the harbor represent to Billy?”
While describing the harbor, Henry Ward Beecher simply called it a safe place. Billy totally disagreed and told that Beecher knew little about it. The thing is that for Billy the harbor meant much more than simply a safe place. For him it was a safe place, a place to snuggle down in and a home. For him it meant everything. The boy definitely valued and appreciated the harbor.
Who does Billy think lives right below his outdoor garden? Who in fact does live there?
The boy was told that below his outdoor garden there was a family of “dockers”. At first, the boy couldn't understand who these people were. Once he heard a cry of a baby and thought that it was a “docker”. However, quite soon Billy would realize that “dockers” were hundreds of men down there on the docks. These men belonged to the harbor.
Looking out of the three holes in his fence, Billy can see his father's warehouse in the distance. Describe what else he sees.
Billy sees not only his father's warehouse through the hole, but many other things as well. He always sees the street below with its trucks. He also sees working men who bring barrels and crates to the trucks. They go through the tunnels at noontime, sit on the street and have their dinners. Then they cross the street and further disappear from the boy’s view.
Why do you think Billy imagines joining the men outside.
Sometimes the boy imagines joining the man outside as it is unknown experience for him. In fact, it scares him and, as Billy mentions, he likes to be scared. Moreover, Billy’s desire to join the men could be explained by his fascination by the harbor. He probably wants to become the part of it.
Billy speaks of the harbor as “restless, heaving, changing, always changing”. How has the harbor changed since the time Pool was writing?
Billy has always had deep feelings towards the harbor. It was something special for him and that is why he called it restless and always changing. His attitude towards the harbor didn't change with time. For Billy it would always be the place whet ships start out their journey. For him the harbor would always be associated with great adventures.
