At the start of "Captains Courageous," Harvey Cheyne is a spoiled 15-year-old brat who "runs roughshod" over his mother, Kipling writes. By the end, Cheyne is a regular working-class kid who has become a part of the fishing crew of "We're Here." What experiences lead to his complete change from brat to honest working man? Who on the boat does he befriend during his time as a fisherman?
"Captains Courageous" offers an inside look at the perils of commercial fishers. Describe some of the dangers the cod fishermen faced in the novel. Why do you think the fishing industry remains so dangerous for workers?
What does the title "Captains Courageous" refer to? Why do you think Kipling chose this as the title of a book about a fishing boat crew? Who are the courageous characters in the novel, and what makes them courageous? As for titles, why do you think the fishing boat is named "We're Here," while other boats in the story have far different names?
Why does Harvey's wealthy and grateful father have such a difficult time rewarding the crew of "We're Here" with money? What does he offer the boat captain instead? Why does Harvey's father realize that he cannot simply pay off the captain for having saved his son's life?