Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Hiking Westward: Being the Story of Two Boys Whose Ambition Led Them to Face Privations and Hardships in Their Quest of a Home in the Great West

Hiking Westward: Being the Story of Two Boys Whose Ambition Led Them to Face Privations and Hardships in Their Quest of a Home in the Great West

Written by Roger William Conant

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Frontier and pioneer lifeFamiliesMothers and sonsWest (U.S.)Self-reliancePioneer children

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"Hiking Westward" by Roger William Conant is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This story chronicles the experiences of two boys, Phil and Ted Porter, who embark on a journey to the American West in search of a homestead to provide for their family, particularly to support their ailing mother. The narrative captures their brave confrontations with the challenges of frontier life, emphasizing themes of responsibility and perseverance. The opening portion of the book establishes a family dynamic where the Porter children discuss how they could support their mother, leading to Phil and Ted's ambitious plan to settle in the West. Shocked by the severity of their mother's health and the family's financial situation, they quickly dismiss their playful dreams of baseball and aviation and resolve to take up a homestead. Engaging in light-hearted banter with their sisters, they outline their intentions to their mother, displaying both determination and naivety regarding the realities of frontier living. Their transition from frivolous youth to responsible caretakers forms a central pillar of the story, setting the stage for the challenges they will encounter while pursuing their goal.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Hiking Westward: Being the Story of Two Boys Whose Ambition Led Them to Face Privations and Hardships in Their Quest of a Home in the Great West, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • uplifting
  • determined

Roger William Conant's "Hiking Westward" is an early 20th-century children's adventure novel chronicling the arduous journey of two brothers, Phil and Ted Porter, to the American West. Driven by their mother's failing health and the family's dire financial state, the boys abandon their youthful pastimes to embrace the formidable challenge of securing a homestead. The narrative meticulously details their transition from naive youth to responsible caretakers, emphasizing their brave confrontations with the privations and hardships of frontier life. Through their quest for a new home, the story powerfully explores themes of self-reliance, perseverance, and the profound bonds of family sacrifice. It stands as a testament to youthful determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

“"We can't just dream of baseball and aeroplanes, Phil. Mother needs us now, more than ever."”

Key themes

Responsibility and Self-Reliance
This theme is central, as the entire premise rests on two young boys taking on adult responsibilities to support their family. The journey westward forces them to shed their youthful dependence and develop practical skills, decision-making abilities, and an unwavering self-reliance. They learn that survival and success are earned through their own efforts, ingenuity, and hard work.
Perseverance and Determination
The boys' quest is fraught with privations and hardships, making perseverance a critical theme. The narrative repeatedly highlights their refusal to give up in the face of daunting challenges, emphasizing the power of an unyielding spirit. Their determination is not just physical but also mental and emotional, allowing them to push through moments of doubt and exhaustion.
Family and Sacrifice
The entire impetus for Phil and Ted's journey is their love for and commitment to their ailing mother and family. Their ambition to secure a homestead is an act of profound familial sacrifice, as they willingly abandon their comfortable lives and face immense dangers for the well-being of others. The theme underscores the strength of family bonds as a powerful motivator.

Worth discussing

How does the novel portray the concept of 'responsibility' for young people in the early 20th century, and how does it compare to modern expectations?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!