Reading Group Assignment #2

(Letter I cont.)

       I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven, for nothing contributes so much to the tranquility of the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.

Question 1 – What does ‘enthusiasm’, ‘tranquility’, and ‘steady’ mean?
Question 2 – How does having a steady purpose bring tranquility to the mind?
Question 3 – Where does the intellect reside?

       I have read with ardor the accounts of the various voyages which have been made in the prospect of arriving at the North Pacific Ocean through the seas which surround the pole. My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes were my study day and night.

Question 4 – What does ‘ardor’, ‘prospect’, and ‘neglected’ mean?
Question 5 – Even though the brother did not go to school, how did he still learn a lot about life as a seafarer?

       These visions faded when I perused, for the first time, those poets whose effusions (unrestrained words) entranced my soul and lifted it to heaven. I also became a poet and for one year lived in a paradise of my own creation; I imagined that I also might obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated. You are well acquainted with my failure and how heavily I bore the disappointment. But just at that time I inherited the fortune of my cousin, and my thoughts were turned into the channel of their earlier bent.

Question 6 –What does ‘perused’, ‘unrestrained’, and ‘paradise’ mean?
Question 7 – Poetry freed the brother’s soul. Do you think poetry and literature can make one free? Why or why not?
Question 8 – The brother tried to obtain a niche through poetry (tried to become successful), but he was not able to become an influential poet. How did he get money to fund his expedition?
Question 9 – What does “my thoughts were turned into the channel of their earlier bent” mean?

       Six years have passed since I started intensely training my body to hardship. I accompanied the whale-fishers on several expeditions to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst, and want of sleep; I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage.

Question 10 – What does ‘famine’ and ‘thirst’ mean?
Question 11 – What did the brother have to endure?
Question 12 – Even after intense training, the brother still pushed himself to do what?

       And now, dear Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose? My life might have been passed in ease and luxury, but I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. My courage and my resolution is firm; but my hopes fluctuate, and my spirits are often depressed. I am about to proceed on a long and difficult voyage, the emergencies of which will demand all my fortitude: I am required not only to raise the spirits of others, but sometimes to sustain my own, when theirs are failing.

Question 13 – Why do you think the brother believes he deserves to accomplish some great purpose?
Question 14 – What does ‘ease’, ‘luxury’, and ‘enticement’ mean?
Question 15 – Why do you think someone would prefer glory to wealth?
Question 16 – Even though the brother is brave, he still struggles with what occasionally?
Question 17 – As a leader, what is something important that the brother has to do for others?

       I shall depart for the latter town in a fortnight or three weeks; and my intention is to hire a ship there, which can easily be done by paying the insurance for the owner, and to engage as many sailors as I think necessary among those who are accustomed to the whale-fishing. I do not intend to sail until the month of June; and when shall I return? Ah, dear sister, how can I answer this question? If I succeed, many, many months, perhaps years, will pass before you and I may meet. If I fail, you will see me again soon, or never.
       Farewell, my dear, excellent Margaret. Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness.

Your affectionate brother,
R. Walton

Question 18 – What does ‘fortnight’ and ‘intention’ mean?
Question 19 – When will the brother return from his trip?
Question 20 – What are the two outcomes that will happen if the brother fails on this adventure?