Celestial imagery
Because Bowditch was a navigator, there are quite a few examples of celestial imagery. For example, there are frequent descriptions of starry nights, celestial constellations, and the vastness of the night sky. These instances of imagery reflect Bowditch's adventurous spirit and his intense journey.
Salem
Salem plays an important role in the novel, and imagery surrounding it (the town's bustling cobblestone streets, busy docks, and stereotypical New England architecture) establishes the cultural and historical backdrop of the story.
“A strong man sails by ash breeze!”
The imagery in this quote provides rich maritime imagery. An "ash breeze" refers to using oars (typically made of ash wood) when there's no wind to sail. This underscores each of the character's resilience and perseverance despite going through challenging things.
“These must be tiny sea animals that glow in the dark, like fireflies.”
This quote paints a vivid picture of the marine bioluminescence that Bowditch and his crew encounter on their journeys. The imagery of the dark, seemingly lifeless sea lit up by glowing creatures illustrates the sense of wonder and curiosity each character has. It captures Bowditch's most important characteristic: his continuous quest to understand and navigate the world around him.
