The Crater; Or, Vulcan's Peak: A Tale of the Pacific

"The Crater; Or, Vulcan's Peak: A Tale of the Pacific" by James Fenimore Cooper is a story that focuses on Mark Woolston, a young man whose life is a mix of family ties, big dreams, and love, all playing out during sea adventures in the Pacific Ocean. We get to know Mark, learning about his childhood and the differences between his family and the Yardleys, who are their rivals. As Mark sets sail, his reasons for going are mixed up with his feelings for Bridget Yardley, who is the daughter of his dad's competitor. The story starts to get ready for how Mark will change as a person, as well as the bigger ideas about nature and society that might come up as he explores the unknown waters of the Pacific and deals with what happens because of the decisions he makes.