Looking+I+JH

"Looking for a Ship, Part I." //The New Yorker// 66 ( 26 March 1990) 40-4.

This article is about John McPhee's experience being one on America's merchant ships. A person by the name of Andy Chase convinces McPhee to join him in a search for a merchant boat despite the scarcity of the times in this particular business in America. Chase ends up finding a job of second mate on the S.S Stella Lykes. The purpose of this ship to transport goods like toilet seats however, sometimes there could be drugs or stowaways in these large containers that the ship mates are unaware of! In this case, they would be held responsible if they were caught with these illegal products. However, this is not the biggest concern of the crew on the ships, the possible threat of presecution for illegal products does not compare to the frightening acts that the sea can produce. Storms and waves that could destroy entire ships is the main concern on the voyages. On the voyage "they tell sea stories of other runs and other ships -- tales of disaster, stupidity, greed, generosity, and courage. Through the journey itself and the tales told emerge the history and character of an extraordinary calling." So basically, what McPhee is trying to explain in this article is that the life of a Merchant sailor is one with a lot of challenges and struggles, but that it is also very rewards. I feel like he is trying to show a deep appreciation for what these men did on a daily basis, risking their lives to deliver products among a nation.

I chose this article because the title caught my attention. I have always had an interest in the sea and the vast power that is possesses. A lot of people don't realize how amazing it really is. So when I saw that Ship in the title I thought that it might have been about a voyage of some sort. I also like to read stories about different adventures that people go on and this seemed like it would be one of them!

-Jessica Holt