The support Ishmael gets from his family after the debating fiasco.
The importance of Razza and Scobie in boosting Ishmael’s confidence and spirit and helping him deal with the challenges he faces.
How Ishmael and Razza’s friendship counteracts the effects of Barry’s bullying on Bill Kingsley.
ACTIVITY ONE Why do you think Ishmael finally decides to sit next to James Scobie in the first lesson? What do you think he meant when he said, ‘Oh well ... if you’re stuck on the Titanic, you might as well have the seat with the best view of the iceberg.’?