# Scenes on the Wharf explained — Driven Back to Eden

> Chapter companion for Driven Back to Eden by Edward Payson Roe.

## What happens

The family spends their last night in the city flat like camping out, then rises at dawn to make final preparations for departure. They take a horsecar to the boat, where the father establishes headquarters in the upper cabin. He takes Merton to check on their goods, negotiates a favorable rate with the captain, and later takes the children on the afterdeck to observe the bustling commerce. The weather turns ominous, but the father keeps his fears to himself. The children are fascinated by the wharf scenes, including canal boats with families living aboard. The father encourages Merton to explore and learn independently, and notes with hope that Mousie's interest in the world is reviving.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape from City Life

The family's departure from the city flat, described as 'camping out,' marks a definitive break from urban living and the beginning of their rural adventure.

### Economic Transformation

The father explains commerce to his children, framing their future as 'producers' who will contribute to the world's economy by sending berries to market.

### Moral Education and Discipline

The father uses the wharf scenes as a teaching moment about commerce and encourages Merton to learn through observation and inquiry, emphasizing education through experience.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The father organizes the family's departure, negotiates with the captain, and encourages his children's curiosity about commerce and travel.

### Merton

Accompanies his father to check on household effects and is given liberty to explore the boat and wharf, making acquaintances and asking questions.

### Bobsey

Initially awed by the noise, but soon becomes fearless and curious, asking endless questions about machinery and river craft.

### Mousie

Keeps close to her father at first, shows quiet interest in the scenes, and expresses a preference for a city flat over a canal boat home.

### Winnie

Also curious and full of questions, she finds the idea of living on a canal boat 'splendid.'

## Key lines

> I knew the boat would be warm and comfortable, and proposed that we should eat our lunch there. The prospect, however, of seeing the wharves, the boats, and the river destroyed even the children’s appetites.

The father planned for the family to eat lunch on the warm boat, but the children were too excited by the sights of the wharves and river to feel hungry.

_Highlights the children's eager anticipation of the journey._

> Thus you see commerce is made by people supplying themselves and each other with what they need. Just as soon as we can bring down a crate of berries and send it to Mr. Bogart we shall be adding to the commerce of the world in the best way.

The father explains that commerce arises from people exchanging goods to meet each other's needs, and that their future berry harvest will be a meaningful contribution.

_Illustrates the father's educational approach and the theme of economic transformation._

> Finding out about what one sees is, in my belief, one of the best ways of getting an education. The trouble with most of us is that we accept what we see, without inquiry or knowledge.

The father believes that learning through observation and questioning is superior to passive acceptance, and he encourages Merton to explore independently.

_Reflects the father's philosophy of practical, self-directed education._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/driven_back_to_eden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/driven_back_to_eden_se/chapters