Lesson 25 — Activity 3: Chapters 23 – 24

Chapter 23 of the novel describes what happens after Marina speaks at the shareholders' meeting.

The opening scene describes the results of the shareholders' meeting. Due to the legal issues, a vote is never taken regarding the garbage barge. However, Mrs. Jennings assures the teens that their battle hasn't been lost.

Chris returns to Rocky Harbour with Marina and her mother. The decision about where Marina and her mother should live is still undecided. Chris's boss is happy to see Chris back at work.

While reading the local paper, Chris discovers that Dial Chemical has decided to cancel its contract with the Regional Authority. He rides his bike to Marina's house to share the news, only to find that she and her mother are packing to move. When she finds out that they have won their battle, she begins to cry, wishing that her father had lived to see them win.

The chapter ends with Chris calling home to ask his mother to arrange a picnic to celebrate their success. His mother is very happy to help, and she says his father is happier than she has seen him in a long time.

The final chapter of the novel describes the picnic Chris and Marina share with their families. The scene gives you a glimpse into what the future might hold for everyone.

As you read the chapter, you will notice that some of the characters have not changed their attitudes or feelings on a particular issue. These are examples of static characters. However, characters that are constantly changing their ideas regarding a certain subject or idea are called dynamic characters.

When the chapter opens, the two families are having a picnic at Chris's house and enjoying the great news that Chris and Marina received. Chris's dad announces that they will be taking their house off the market, but Marina's mother is still not sure of her plans.

Chris decides to give Jack another chance to fly, and to everyone's delight, Jack is able to use his artificial wing. While they are watching Jack fly, Mr. Keller from the Regional Authority arrives. Mr. Keller has come by to invite Marina and Chris to go with him to view the release of Mr. Gibson from his duties. Mr. Keller suggests that Chris's father has a good chance of getting another job with the Regional Authority.

The story ends with Chris and Marina windsurfing together — accompanied by Jack.

Self-check!