How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Do you remember, Charlotte, what I first told you when you came aboard? That you, a girl, and I, an old black man, were unique to the sea?
"Yes."
"The greater fact is," he said, "I am unique everywhere."
"And I?"
"Who can say now?" he answered. "I can only tell you this, Charlotte. A sailor chooses the wind that takes the ship from a safe port. Ah, yes, but once you're aboard, as you have seen, winds have a mind of their own. Be careful, Charlotte, careful of the wind you choose." (22.21-22.25)
Zachariah has always drawn parallels between Charlotte and himself; however, here he hints that there are also differences. While both are outcasts, Zachariah suggests that this is perhaps more so the case for him. What exactly does Zachariah mean by this? How is his identity different from Charlotte's? And why are both connected with the sea?
Quote #11
Boldly now, I walked up the gangplank.
"Who is that?" came a challenge.
I said nothing.
"Who is that?" came the demand again. Now I was certain of the voice.
"Zachariah?" I called, my voice choked.
Charlotte!
"I've decided to come home." (22.198-204)
At the end of the book, Charlotte is very literally asked to identify herself. (A voice calls out, "Who is that?") What does she answer? Why? Is this exchange a metaphor for the way in which Charlotte has been able to figure out who she is through a connection she has made with someone else? How has Zachariah helped her find herself?