Lesson 24 — Activity 3: Chapters 17 – 18

Chapter 17 of the novel introduces Chris's plans to get the attention of the Regional Authority regarding their plan to bring toxic waste into Rocky Harbour by barge.

When the chapter opens, we learn that Chris plans to take the day off work, since the first load of toxic waste will be coming into the harbour that day. He makes a sign for the sail of his windsurfer that reads "ROCKY HARBOUR — NO PLACE FOR CHEMICAL WASTE."

Chris calls a reporter from the local paper to tell him that he plans to blockade the harbour with his windsurfer when the garbage barge comes in. He invites the reporter to come and take a picture of him. As Chris waits and watches for the barge to approach, he thinks about how the environment around him has changed. He notices that there seems to be fewer wild animals around. Chris wonders if the air he is breathing will make him sick, or how the sun might cause skin cancer.

The chapter ends with Chris calling the reporter when the barge approaches. The reporter tells him that a good picture could get national coverage.

Chapter 18 of the novel explains Chris's plan as he heads into the ocean to confront the garbage barge. Chris reveals his plan to get in between the harbour and the barge with the message on his sail. He feels confident that his message to the public will be noticed.

The two crew members on the deck of the barge are not happy to see him. As Chris glances from the shoreline to the barge, he notices that the photographer from the paper has made it to the harbour. By angling the windsurfing rig towards the barge, Chris attempts to cut it off. The chapter ends with Chris being forced to dive off his windsurfing rig to avoid being hit by the barge.

Self-check!