The Wreck of the Hesperus
on Goodreads (236)
What’s inside...
In the mid 19th century, Longfellow was one of the most widely-read poets in both England and the United States. His epic poem, Hiawatha, has created a legend. However, due to the old age and scarcity of the book, many pages may be hard to read because of blurring of the original text.
Age
11-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Skipper
The Skipper'S Daughter
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the storm in the story?
How do you think the daughter felt about her father's decision to sail during the storm?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the characters?
Why is it important to listen to warnings and advice from others?
How do the actions of the characters teach us about responsibility and making choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly, validating their emotions as they discuss.
Draw parallels between the decisions made by the characters in the book and real-life decisions to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child what they would have done differently and explore alternative choices and outcomes together.
Discuss the importance of being prepared and making cautious choices, relating it to the child’s day-to-day life.
Foster a deeper understanding by discussing the moral lessons of the story and how they apply to your child's life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the poem, the captain's decision not to heed the sailor's warning about the approaching storm demonstrates the consequences of neglecting one's duty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility seriously and being attentive to advice from others, especially in situations that require safety precautions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite the dire circumstances faced by the daughter and the captain, their courage showcases resilience.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that facing challenges bravely is vital, even when outcomes are uncertain.
Example Lesson: The power of nature
Explanation: The poem vividly describes the storm's ferocity, illustrating how powerful and sometimes dangerous natural elements can be.
Real-World Application: Children can learn respect for nature and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
Example Lesson: Consequences of pride
Explanation: The captain's pride and overconfidence in facing the storm lead to tragic results, teaching the dangers of arrogance.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cultivate humility and assess situations realistically to make informed decisions.