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Cover of Doing and daring : $b A New Zealand story

Doing and daring : $b A New Zealand story

Written by Eleanor Stredder

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ChildrenAdventure storiesFriendshipConduct of lifeSiblingsFrontier and pioneer lifeNew Zealand

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About this book

"Doing and Daring: A New Zealand Story" by Eleanor Stredder is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on a family, particularly focusing on young Edwin Lee and his experiences in New Zealand, showcasing the challenges and adventures of colonial life, including encounters with the local Maori people. Themes of bravery, cultural interaction, and the beauty of the New Zealand landscape surface throughout the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a picturesque autumn day in New Zealand as the Lee family travels by mail coach through the bush, which is depicted as both enchanting and perilous. The coach encounters difficulties on a muddy road, resulting in a near accident. Mr. Lee, his children, and fellow passengers endure a tumultuous ride, showcasing their personalities and establishing a sense of camaraderie amidst the struggles. When the coach overturns, Edwin takes the initiative to seek help, highlighting his resourcefulness and bravery. The first chapter sets the stage for the family's journey, immersing readers in the vivid setting and the trials they face in their new life.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Doing and daring : $b A New Zealand story, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Adventurous
  • Challenging
  • Exploratory

Eleanor Stredder's "Doing and Daring: A New Zealand Story" is a late 19th-century colonial adventure novel chronicling the experiences of the Lee family, particularly young Edwin, as they navigate the challenges and wonders of life in New Zealand. The narrative emphasizes themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and cultural interaction amidst the stunning yet perilous landscape. The story commences with a dramatic mail coach journey through the New Zealand bush, which culminates in an accident, prompting Edwin to display remarkable initiative and courage. This opening sets the stage for a series of adventures that highlight the family's resilience and Edwin's coming-of-age in a new and demanding world.

“The wild beauty of New Zealand lay before them, a land both promise and peril, demanding courage and offering wonders.”

Key themes

Colonialism and Frontier Life
This theme forms the entire backdrop and driving force of the narrative. It details the practical, emotional, and social realities of European settlement in a new land, showcasing the struggles of establishing a home, adapting to an unfamiliar environment, and the broader ambitions of imperial expansion. It explores the romanticized yet arduous vision of pioneering.
Bravery and Resourcefulness
This theme is central to the narrative, particularly highlighted through Edwin's actions. It explores the psychological fortitude and practical ingenuity required to face and overcome the dangers and challenges of a harsh frontier environment. The novel champions these virtues as essential for survival and success.
The Power and Beauty of Nature
The New Zealand landscape is a formidable and captivating presence in the novel, acting as both an antagonist and a source of wonder. It is depicted as enchanting and picturesque yet also perilous and demanding, constantly testing the characters' limits while offering breathtaking beauty and vital resources.

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How does 'Doing and Daring' portray the challenges and opportunities inherent in colonial life in late 19th-century New Zealand?

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