Question 1

Arthur's traumatic voyage to Australia instilled hope through Marty's friendship.

Accepted Answer

Arthur Hobhouse grew up as an orphan in England during World War II. He was separated from his beloved older sister Kitty and sent on a ship to Australia with other orphan children. On the voyage, Arthur suffered from terrible seasickness but found friendship with an older boy named Marty. Marty protected Arthur from bullies, explained why they were going to Australia, and gave him hope he'd see Kitty again. Though the journey was difficult, Marty's friendship and optimism kept Arthur's spirits up. When they arrived, Arthur had learned about the power of hope and that he could rely on Marty's steadfast friendship in this strange new land.

Question 2

Child migrants felt despair upon arriving at a harsh Australian farm.

Accepted Answer

A group of boys arrived by bus at Cooper's Station, a remote farm in the Australian outback run by Mr. and Mrs. Bacon. The boys had been sent there from England as part of a child migrant program. On their first morning, Mr. Bacon, known as "Piggy", gathered the boys and told them they were unwanted children that no one else would take in. He and his wife were doing God's work by providing them food, shelter and religious education.

Piggy warned the boys there was nothing but wilderness for miles in every direction. If they tried to run away, they would die from thirst, snakes, crocodiles or dingoes. The Aboriginal people who lived nearby would catch any runaways and bring them back. The boys would have to work hard to earn their keep, with an hour of play allowed each evening before sundown. Piggy emphasized this was all God's work.

The boys realized their initial excitement about their new life in Australia was misplaced. They now felt like prisoners and slaves on the remote farm. The dream had died. This would be the beginning of some very difficult years for them.

Question 3

Piggy Bacon was a cruel Australian farmer who brutally overworked orphan children until Wes Snarkey's defiant attack on him inspired hope.

Accepted Answer

Piggy Bacon was a cruel farmer who worked the orphan children like slaves on his farm in Australia. He kept them busy with backbreaking labor like shoveling manure, pulling up tree roots, and carrying heavy buckets of water. The children's hands blistered and they ached with exhaustion, but Piggy Bacon drove them relentlessly, threatening to withhold food or whip them if they slacked off.

Two boys, Marty and Arthur, tried to keep each other's spirits up. They shared a special friendship with Big Black Jack, Piggy Bacon's giant plow horse. They would sneak him extra food and comfort him when Piggy Bacon whipped him.

Another boy named Wes Snarkey was a loner who would mysteriously disappear from work. One day Arthur followed him and saw he was feeding Big Black Jack and confiding in him about his dreams of escape. When Piggy Bacon viciously whipped Big Black Jack for failing to uproot a stubborn tree stump, Wes Snarkey finally snapped. He attacked Piggy Bacon in a rage, punching him until he bled.

After seeing the tyrant bleed, the children were no longer as afraid of Piggy Bacon. Wes Snarkey became a hero for standing up to their oppressor. His act of defiance brought the children together in solidarity. Though their lives were still miserable under Piggy Bacon, Wes had given them a small measure of hope and courage to endure.

Question 4

Mr. Piggy Bacon enforces harsh labor, but his kind wife Ida protects Arthur, returning a confiscated lucky key and saving both Arthur and Mr. Bacon.

Accepted Answer

Mr. Piggy Bacon, and his wife Ida make the children work long hours and attend religious services on Sundays.

Ida is portrayed sympathetically, working alongside the children and nursing Arthur back to health after a spider bite. She also returns Arthur's lucky key after Mr. Bacon had confiscated it. The Aboriginal people who live nearby are allowed on the farm only on Sundays for religious services.

The children endure harsh conditions under Mr. Bacon, including beatings. Arthur contemplates killing Mr. Bacon after he takes away the lucky key given by Arthur's sister. But Ida's kindness changes things. Arthur comes to see Ida as a friend and protector. Her actions help save both Arthur's life and Mr. Bacon's.

Question 5

Wes became a hero for standing up to Piggy Bacon but faced harsh punishments, ultimately dying in a failed escape, leaving his friends devastated and Ida as their only source of courage.

Accepted Answer

Wes became a hero when he stood up to the cruel overseer, Piggy Bacon. But Piggy singled him out for harsh punishments, isolating and beating him relentlessly. Wes withdrew into himself and went on a hunger strike to protest the mistreatment. His friends tried to help, bringing him water, but he refused food. In desperation, they asked the kind wife and cook, Ida, to intervene. She pleaded with Wes to eat but could not sway him. Ida confronted Piggy about Wes's treatment, but he refused to relent.

The next morning, Wes and his favorite horse, Big Black Jack, were gone. Piggy flew into a rage when he discovered Wes had escaped. The children were jubilant, hoping Wes had found freedom. But that night, dingoes howled ominously.

The next day, bushmen brought back Wes's limp body, carried on the horse. He had sacrificed himself in a brave act of defiance, but the cruelty of Cooper's Station had defeated him in the end. His friends were devastated, left to endure their hopeless captivity. Ida alone retained the courage to continue standing up to Piggy. But Wes was forever gone, his bright spirit extinguished by relentless brutality. His defiant act was not enough to escape a system rigged against him.

Question 6

Arthur's life changed when Wes's death spurred Ida to free the orphans from Piggy Bacon, leading to their daring escape into the wilderness.

Accepted Answer

Wes was the first dead person Arthur had ever seen. Wes's death changed Arthur's life forever. At first, Arthur was angry that their hopes had died with Wes, not yet angry at his killer, Piggy Bacon. Then came the sadness and tears. Death is utterly still, the end of a story. If you've loved the story, it's sad. Wes's death was agonizingly sad.

Piggy Bacon was Wes's killer. He strutted around as if nothing had happened. During a sermon, he blamed Wes's death on stealing his horse. This made Arthur and the others furious.

Ida had cared for Wes. After his death, she retreated inward. One Sunday, she emerged with a shotgun. She told the children to collect their things—she was setting them free from Piggy's orphanage. They rushed to obey, jubilant.

Piggy was bewildered and angry. Ida set fire to the dormitory to force Piggy to release them. At first, it seemed the fire had failed. But then they defiantly sang "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow" for Ida. Their hopes were dashed, but they were filled with new courage.

That night, Marty woke Arthur. Ida had unlocked the door! They escaped on Piggy's horse, fleeing into the bush. They were exhilarated to be free, but soon felt the immensity of the wilderness and feared Piggy's pursuit. The horse seemed to be taking them back to the orphanage. Their adventure was just beginning.

Question 7

Orphaned children rescued by Aboriginal bushmen and offered new home.

Accepted Answer

Marty and Arthur escaped from the oppressive orphanage and found themselves lost and desperate in the Australian outback. After days of wandering in the harsh heat, they were discovered by Aboriginal bushmen who gave them food and water and led them on a journey through the wilderness.

The children didn't know where the silent bushmen were taking them, but they felt safe and protected. After many days, the bushmen brought the children to a hilltop overlooking a beautiful green valley and abruptly left without explanation.

Just then, the children heard a woman singing. She rode up on a horse, surrounded by orphaned baby animals she had rescued. Seeing the children's ragged state, she invited them to come with her and offered them a new home.

Exhausted but overjoyed, the children set off after the kind woman and her menagerie of animals, grateful for their incredible luck in finding a new life after so much hardship. Though confused by the bushmen's actions, the children knew they owed the native people a great debt for saving their lives.

Question 8

Aunty Megs provided a nurturing home and taught love and resilience.

Accepted Answer

Henry, a wombat, made his home under the steps of Aunty Megs' house, known as The Ark. He had a peculiar habit of collecting hats and socks in his burrow. Aunty Megs rescued Henry when he was a baby, after his mother was tragically hit by a truck. Her life became devoted to saving and rehabilitating injured and orphaned native animals.

Two boys, Marty and Arthur, found refuge at The Ark after fleeing from an abusive orphanage. Aunty Megs welcomed them with open arms, providing a nurturing environment. She taught them to read and write, shared captivating stories, and introduced them to her love for poetry, particularly sea poems that reminisced about her late husband, Mick, a sailor. The boys found joy in helping with chores around The Ark, especially when it came to feeding the animals. They had a particular fondness for Henry the wombat and Barnaby the donkey.

Although Aunty Megs imposed a rule against becoming too attached to the rescued animals, her goal was always to return them to the wild. The boys cherished their time at The Ark, dreaming of one day going to sea just like Mick. The happiness and stability they found there made it the only real home and sense of family they had ever known.

Question 9

Two adopted boys navigate responsibility and farewells at their cherished home.

Accepted Answer

Marty and Arthur lived happily with Aunty Megs at the Ark for several years. One day, Aunty Megs had an accident while riding her horse in the bush. The boys found her injured, brought her home, and contacted the doctor. She had broken her collarbone and required stitches on her face. During her month-long recovery, the doctor tasked Marty and Arthur with taking care of Aunty Megs.

Despite their best efforts, their cooking skills were limited. Arthur managed to make passable scrambled eggs, while Marty burned the toast. As a result, their diet largely consisted of eggs, beans, and hash. While recovering, Aunty Megs taught the boys how to feed the animals, perform chores, and run errands in town. Though they weren't fond of the domestic work, they took pride in keeping the place running smoothly.

As Aunty Megs and Marty spent more time together, Arthur felt a bit jealous and left out. Marty, being older, connected with Aunty Megs in a more mature way. Despite this, the boys remained close, like real brothers. One night, Marty confessed his fear that Aunty Megs might one day send them away, just as she released orphaned animals back into the wild. This realization worried Arthur as well, but they postponed asking her, afraid of the answer.

After a few more happy years, Aunty Megs informed them of her plan to move them to Sydney as apprentices at a boatyard run by her late husband Mick's friend. Although upset, the boys understood that she was doing what she believed was best for them. Their final days at the Ark were tinged with sadness but also joy as they bid farewell to their cherished home. Aunty Megs gave them books of their favorite poems as parting gifts. As they left for Sydney, Arthur held onto his childhood lucky key, cherishing the magical memories of their time at the Ark and the woman they considered their true mother.

Question 10

Freddie Dodds' betrayal shattered their idyllic boatyard life forever.

Accepted Answer

Freddie Dodds was a great boat builder and sailor who taught Arthur and his friend Marty everything they knew about boats and the sea. The three of them worked together in Dodds' boatyard, building beautiful boats and going on sea trials. Arthur and Marty lived on an old boat called No Worries in the boatyard and were very happy.

One night, the boatyard mysteriously caught fire. Marty was wrongly arrested for arson after Arthur told police Marty was on night watch. It turned out Dodds had started the fire for insurance money, but confessed when he heard Marty was arrested. Dodds went to prison, the boatyard was destroyed, and Marty was never the same again after his night in jail. Arthur felt he had betrayed his best friend and their idyllic life at the boatyard was over in an instant. But the skills and love of the sea they learned from Dodds stayed with them always.

Question 11

After Aunty Megs's death, Arthur's attempts to find solace at sea led him through painful and destructive experiences, leaving him adrift.

Accepted Answer

After Aunty Megs passed away, Arthur stayed at the Ark, caring for the animals as she had done. When her long-lost son inherited the property, Arthur was forced to leave. With nowhere to go, he signed on to a fishing trawler, hoping to be at sea again, only to be horrified by the slaughter of magnificent creatures like tuna. Troubled but needing money, Arthur stayed, gambling away his earnings and never making it to England as he had promised Marty. Sickened by the fishing, he joined the navy, longing for the sea but unaware they were headed to war. The years after Aunty Megs were painful for Arthur; her death left him adrift. In trying to regain his life on the ocean, he became part of terrible destruction. It was a wilderness time when everything he held dear seemed to fall apart.

Question 12

Arthur's tragic life finds solace through his daughter Allie’s quest.

Accepted Answer

Arthur Hobhouse grew up in an orphanage in England after losing his parents at a young age. Before being separated from his sister Kitty, she gave him a key, which he wore around his neck as a lucky charm. As a teenager, Arthur was sent to work on a sheep station in Australia, where he faced abuse. He managed to escape and found work at a boatyard, reigniting his passion for boats and sailing.

Arthur's life took a tumultuous turn when he served in the Vietnam War. Afterward, he struggled with PTSD and alcoholism. However, his fortunes changed when he met Zita, who supported him through his recovery. They got married and had a daughter, Allie. Arthur built boats for Zita's family business and introduced Allie to sailing at a young age.

When Allie turned 16, she and Arthur decided to build a boat named Kitty Four, with the goal of sailing around the world and finding Arthur's long-lost sister, Kitty, in England. Just as they launched Kitty Four, Arthur was diagnosed with an advanced brain tumor and given only months to live. Arthur found solace in knowing that Allie promised to sail to England alone one day on Kitty Four to search for Aunt Kitty and unlock the mystery of the key.

Arthur's story and his love for sailing endures through Allie, who is determined to continue his quest.

Question 13

Allie's solo sail honors her father's wish to find lost aunt.

Accepted Answer

Allie cherished time spent boating, a passion inherited from her father. After his passing, she vowed to sail solo from Australia to England to find his estranged sister, Kitty. With enthusiastic support from her family and community, Allie embarked from Hobart on her father's handcrafted boat, Kitty Four. Setting off on this lengthy and demanding voyage filled her with both excitement and apprehension.

Throughout her journey, Allie's mother maintained daily check-ins to offer support from home. Despite exhaustive efforts to locate Kitty before, no leads had surfaced. As Allie ventured into the vast ocean, she fondly recalled moments with her father and felt his presence with her. This voyage was more than a promise; it was a chance to connect with her father's past and uncover a long-lost piece of family history. Filled with determination, Allie eagerly anticipated the challenges and discoveries ahead.

Question 14

Allie finds solace and confidence in solo sailing despite initial struggles.

Accepted Answer

To keep her spirits high, Allie observes albatrosses, reads poetry, and enjoys hot chocolate. The comfort from the ocean and its creatures helps counter her homesickness. She feels a profound connection to her father, almost as if he is guiding her through the voyage.

After enduring her first major storm, Allie's confidence in herself and in Kitty 4 grows. Her seasickness subsides, and she begins to find a rhythm in her daily rituals. The company of dolphins dancing around the boat lifts her loneliness. Immersed in the life she loves, Allie experiences a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment, her father's legacy a guiding light throughout her journey.

Question 15

Allie realized she was living her father's dream.

Accepted Answer

As Allie approached Cape Horn, the bitter cold intensified. Her hands became numb and cracked, despite her best efforts to care for them. The seas grew enormous, and the wind screamed constantly, testing her seamanship to its limits. To find solace, she sang songs and read the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," which felt uniquely personal because of her own albatross companion.

Even though fear crept in at times, she trusted her boat implicitly and believed she would successfully round the Horn. To spare her mother and grandfather undue worry, she downplayed the hardships in her emails home. Her daily routine of chores, meals, and stargazing helped to keep her spirits high. She dreamed of contacting the astronauts aboard the space station, feeling a kinship with them. Her grandfather promised to help arrange it.

When Cape Horn finally appeared on her laptop screen, she felt her father's presence beside her in the boat he'd built, and saw the albatross soaring above. The poems inspired her with new courage to face the icy storms ahead. She realized she was living her father's dream.

Question 16

Allie's solo world voyage included triumph, despair, and an astronomical surprise.

Accepted Answer

Allie successfully navigated past Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, after battling massive waves and storms. Feeling triumphant, she headed towards the Falkland Islands for a much-needed rest. In the Falklands, Allie welcomed the comforts of home and took the time to repair her boat.

However, bad weather delayed her departure. During this downtime, a local woman named Mrs. Betts showed Allie around the remote islands. They visited rockhopper penguins, saw rugged sheep farms, and paid respects at the war cemetery where young British soldiers were buried following the conflict with Argentina. Reflecting on the tragedy of war, Mrs. Betts mentioned that the fallen Argentine soldiers were also “fine boys.” She wished Allie a successful voyage and hoped she would find her long-lost relative, Kitty, in England.

Once the weather improved, Allie set sail again. She soon felt lonely and depressed as her albatross friend, who had accompanied her from Australia, had flown back to its natural habitat. This left Allie feeling abandoned. Just when she was losing hope, the albatross reappeared, transforming her despair into joy. She playfully scolded the bird for its long absence.

That evening, Allie received an astonishing call from an American astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Her grandfather had arranged this, believing that fellow explorers should stay in touch. Allie was thrilled and speechless as she made this unexpected connection with space.

Question 17

Allie's voyage merges loss, renewal, and familial mystery.

Accepted Answer

Allie forms a bond with an albatross, but tragedy strikes when she accidentally kills the bird. Overwhelmed with grief, she withdraws into herself and ceases all communication.

After a month of isolation and despair, her spirits are unexpectedly lifted by the sight of a turtle. This encounter rejuvenates her determination, and she sets sail once more with newfound energy. Messages of encouragement from her family, friends, and Dr. Topolski, an astronaut she befriended, provide additional support and motivation.

As she closes in on England, she remains hopeful of uncovering the mystery behind her father's lucky key, which he received from Kitty long ago. Though the memory of her albatross still weighs heavily on her heart, the sailor taps into an inner resilience, guided by the cheering voices of her loved ones. With their support and the strength she's found within herself, she perseveres to complete her quest.

Question 18

An astronaut helps Allie to locate her aunt Kitty and return the key.

Accepted Answer

Arthur Hobhouse and his sister Kitty faced tragedy early on when their parents were lost in a bombing raid during World War II in London. Sent to an orphanage, they clung to a musical box playing "London Bridge is Falling Down," their sole keepsake from home. When Arthur was sent to Australia, Kitty entrusted him with the key to the musical box as a token of their bond.

Years passed, and Arthur had his daughter Allie. On his deathbed, Arthur expressed a fervent wish for Allie to sail around the world alone and return the key to Kitty in London, reuniting it with the musical box. Committed to honoring her father's last request, Allie embarked on her journey aboard her boat, named Kitty Four. Throughout her voyage, Allie encountered numerous trials, including fierce storms, equipment breakdowns, and personal injuries. Nevertheless, she remained undeterred and successfully reached England.

In England, Allie shared her father’s story with astronaut Marc Topolski. Touched by her tale, Marc assisted in locating Kitty, who was living in Canada, through television. The story culminated in an emotional reunion in London, where Allie finally handed the key to Kitty. When Kitty wound the musical box, it nostalgically played their childhood tune. As a token of their reunion and family legacy, Kitty gave the box to Allie, with the hope that it would be passed down to her own children. In this way, Arthur's wish was ultimately fulfilled, bringing a deeply meaningful closure to their journey.

Question 19

Accepted Answer

Final Summary: "Alone on a Wide Wide Sea" by Michael Morpurgo is a poignant tale of endurance, loss, and the search for belonging. Arthur Hobhouse and his sister Kitty are separated as children, sent from their home in England to Australia after World War II. Arthur overcomes numerous hardships, and, inspired by his newfound Australian family and a deep connection to the sea, embarks on an epic voyage back to England. Alongside his daughter, Arthur pursues the quest to reunite with Kitty, drawing parallels to challenges faced throughout life. The narrative is enriched by themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring bonds of family.

10 Specific Actions:
1. Maintain Hope: Reflect Arthur's tenacity by holding onto hope even during the toughest times, believing in a brighter future.
2. Value Connections: Strengthen and value family and friendships, as these relationships provide crucial support throughout life's journey.
3. Overcome Adversity: Embrace challenges and use them as opportunities to learn and grow, just as Arthur did throughout his life.
4. Pursue Dreams: Stay committed to your dreams and goals, no matter how unattainable they may seem. Make plans and take steps towards achieving them.
5. Respect Nature: Develop a deep respect for nature, recognizing how it can offer solace and guidance, much like the sea did for Arthur.
6. Adapt: Be resilient and adaptable in the face of change, using lessons from the past to navigate future uncertainties.
7. Cherish Memories: Keep alive the memories and teachings of loved ones who have passed, drawing strength and wisdom from them.
8. Practice Determination: Cultivate determination in both minor and major endeavors, consistently working towards self-improvement and learning.
9. Find Healing in Creativity: Engage with stories, poetry, or any form of creative expression to find solace and convey your emotions, similar to Arthur's connection with "The Ancient Mariner."
10. Seek Community: Build and participate in communities for a sense of belonging and shared purpose, fostering mutual support and understanding.

Alone on a Wide Wide Sea - Book Summary (2024)