Captains Courageous · Chapter
II explained
Harvey Cheyne, after being knocked down by Captain Disko Troop for accusing him of theft, is comforted by Dan Troop.
What happens
Harvey Cheyne, after being knocked down by Captain Disko Troop for accusing him of theft, is comforted by Dan Troop. Dan questions Harvey about his wealthy background, and Harvey reveals his father is a multimillionaire with private cars. Harvey apologizes to Disko, who accepts his apology and tells him to get to work. The chapter details the crew's supper and the beginning of the fish dressing-down process, where Harvey learns the ropes.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Wealth
Harvey's revelation of his father's wealth contrasts sharply with the modest earnings of the fishermen, emphasizing the divide between the privileged and the working class.
Work and Earned Respect
Harvey must earn his place through labor, as Disko tells him to 'pitch in' and learn the trade, highlighting the value of hard work over inherited status.
Father and Son Relationship
Dan's relationship with his father Disko is shown through his defense of him and his understanding of his father's justice, contrasting with Harvey's distant relationship with his own wealthy father.
Characters to notice
- Harvey Cheyne
Recovering from being knocked down, apologizes to Disko, and begins learning the work.
- Dan Troop
Comforts Harvey, questions him about his wealth, and explains the ship's hierarchy.
- Disko Troop
Knocks Harvey down, accepts his apology, and assigns him to work.
- Uncle Salters
Works at the dressing table, drumming with a knife-haft.
- Penn
Sits at the second half table and later works in the pen with the cod.
- Tom Platt
Works with Disko in the hold, moving among salt-bins.
Key passages
“I warned ye,” said Dan, as the drops fell thick and fast on the dark, oiled planking. “Dad ain’t noways hasty, but you fair earned it.”
Dan tells Harvey that he deserved the punishment from his father, who is not usually quick to anger.
Dan comforts Harvey after Disko knocks him down.
“In gold mines and things, West.” “I’ve read o’ that kind o’ business. Out West, too? Does he go around with a pistol on a trick-pony, same ez the circus?”
Harvey explains his father's wealth comes from gold mines in the West, and Dan asks if he carries a pistol and rides a trick pony like in the circus.
Dan's curiosity about the Wild West contrasts with Harvey's description of his father's private cars.
“You was wrong; the wrongest kind o’ wrong! You take right hold an’ pitch in ’longside o’ me, or you’ll catch it, an’ I’ll catch it fer backin’ you up.”
Dan tells Harvey that he was completely mistaken about the theft, and advises him to work alongside him to avoid getting into more trouble.
Dan urges Harvey to accept his situation and start working.
“When a man’s saved from drowning—” he gulped. “Ey? You’ll make a man yet ef you go on this way.””
Harvey begins to apologize, saying that a man saved from drowning should not start by calling people names, and Disko responds approvingly that he will become a man if he continues like this.
Harvey's apology marks a turning point in his character development.