The Steamboat
The phrase “s-t-e-a-m boat coming!” refers to the turn of events that take place when the steamboat approaches. People become more furious to see the boat. The cloud changes due to the smoke emitted from the ship. A pile of skids is another phrase used in the text. It refers to the storage of the boat which could be seen while approaching.
Twain Learns from the Mate
Twain learns from the mate to be a brave leader. The mate gives out his order bravely and earnestly. He commands his juniors even while giving a simple request. The watchman helps Twain learn many things when in the steamboat. He shows Twain many capes and Islands while sailing at night. Twin learns about struggling to get to achieve his dream. The watchman struggles with his desire of sailing regardless of his mother hating him (pp 158).
Bixby as a Teacher
Bixby was an excellent teacher. He agreed to teach Twain about the river. Bixby’s strong points are that he was able to tolerate Twain’s forgetfulness. Mr. Bixby helped Twain to memorize all the aspects of the river by asking him to write them down in a book every time he is taught. He taught Twain everything about sailing the boat. Bixby’s weak point is that he gave unclear procedures to Twain. Sometimes Bixby used abusive language to Twain when he forgot the points he had taught him. He once tells him that he is the stupidest dunderhead he had ever seen in his life. Bixby was a good teacher because he made Twain comprehend the entire piloting. He told him he had to get all the points to his heart.
Pilot Brown
It intensifies the role of Bixby as a good teacher, mentor, and leader to Twin. Pilot Brown is very ignorant compared to Mr. Bixby. He is not concerned with the learning of Twain. He is also careless when it comes to instructions. Brown is not kind in any way while teaching Twain. He does not care whether he understands or not.
Work cited
Twain Mark, life on Mississippi, United Sates, 1883
