Themes

The main theme that is seen in this novel is: hard work and perseverance pay off in the long run.
The nine boys needed to work through terrible weather and conditions, but they all put in 100% and made it in the end.
Another theme that is touched upon is one of self preservation and independence. It shows that even though people cannot change the situations they were born into, making the best situation out of everything and taking any opportunities will pay off in the long run. For example Joe was abandoned by his family and he could have roamed the streets, but he decided to work his way through school in order to make a better life for himself. This is a very inspiring message that the author, Brown is sending. Joe, and all of the boys in the boat had the odds stacked against them, but they conquered it with optimism and never ceasing effort to do their best.