Part 1: Chapter 2, Dangerous Shoals and Roaring Breakers Summary and Analysis

Now that the Mayflower had reached the New World, decisions need to be made. The ship was well north of the mouth of the Hudson River, yet the Cape Cod region was well-known for its large schools of cod. Master Jones wanted the passengers on land as soon as possible and the wind was from the north, which could help them reach the proposed settlement area. However, there was not a reliable chart of the coast and he did not know what hazards could be between the ship and the Hudson River.

Soon, the Mayflower was in a treacherous area known as the Pollack Rip, a maze of sandbars and shoals. The sea churned as water rushed into the area. Finally, the wind changed, blowing from the south, and...