Essay Questions

How does Carry On, Mr. Bowditch reflect the values of the American Enlightenment?

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is steeped in the values of the American Enlightenment, which was a period characterized by a fervent belief in reason, science, and the pursuit of knowledge above all else. This is exemplified by the main character of the novel: Bowditch is committed to empirical observation, logic, and consistent learning. Bowditch's self-reliance and ambition likewise exemplify the values of the American Enlightenment and its emphasis on an individual's potential and potential to contribute to society. Furthermore, his endeavors to simplify and democratize navigation knowledge for all sailors, ensuring their safety and efficiency, is a testament to the Enlightenment's commitment to share knowledge more broadly to benefit society.

How does the author use supporting characters in the novel to highlight Nathaniel Bowditch's uniqueness?

Throughout the novel, Latham utilizes the supporting characters as foils and complements the character of Nathaniel Bowditch. As readers witness, Bowditch's interactions with family members, sailors, and some of his contemporaries, his tremendous intellect, passion for learning, and dedication to safety on the high seas shine through. He is largely more dedicated and more intelligent than many of the people he interacts with on a daily basis. For instance, Captain Prince, who is one of Bowditch's biggest champions, reveals how exceptional Bowditch truly is. On the other side of the coin, the sailors who doubted Bowditch's methods but ultimately came to rely on them show the profound and forceful impact Bowditch's methods had on the field of geography and navigation. In sum, these interactions give context to Bowditch's work and underscore the real-world implications of his innovations and the respect and admiration he earns from those around him, many of whom didn't like him in the first place.