Tammy’s Reviews > Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin > Status Update

Ch. 22 What a wonderful ending. Children are most inspired by reading about the childhood of interesting people. The last chapter jumps 150 years later to the moment when a historical marker is placed at the home where Benjamin West was born. The speech includes a summary of the rest of his life. He remained a Quaker, even running around in the English court. He even turned down knighthood because of his beliefs.

The boys talk of their dreams and are excited about the journey. His father has such an appetite and it speaks to Pennsylvania being a new start for his family. They bundle up and get in the wagon. Mother has provided food for the journey. Grimalkin joins them.

He works with a zeal and talks to Grimalkin while he works. The door opens and he hears a young man speaking in broken English with a German accent. It is his friend Jacob who is pleased to see how well Grimalkin is doing and is amazed to see Benjain painting so well. He’s going to Philadelphia to learn how to make ropes and sails. It was a good year for his family. They look healthy and the wagon is new.

Ch. 21 I love how the book presents a complete circle. It seems as if a year has passed having gone from one winter to another (I think). Benjamin has his knapsack packed including things for Grimalkin for they are inseparable friends. He is nervous and has nothing to do but wait for his ride, a journeyman also heading to Philadelphia. His mother asks for a painting of Grimalkin. He gets his poplar board and paints.

During the meeting, his mother started having contractions and Benjamin was born premature that night. The preacher said that this is a sign that the boy would do great things. He gave a positive vote. In the end the committee recommends Benjamin to keep picture painting. After that, they were served syllabub and caraway cakes before going him. The room looks warm and bright to Benjamin.

Then another man gives the history of Pennsylvania. His mother’s ancestor was with Penn when the colony was founded. He named the city of Chester. He gives an account of the respectability of the family and what they have done in establishing the region. He tells a story Benjamin had never heard. A great preacher came the night of Benjamin’s birth and his preaching was inspiring.

Ch. 20 In true Quaker fashion, they all sit in silence. The grumpy old man gives a very negative opinion. Unfortunately, he is sitting in Grimalkin’s chair and the cat scratches and hisses at him. Benjamin calms the cat down. Then more silence. Then his teacher reminds them of how resourceful Benjamin was in making his own paints and tools from nature. There seems to be a fire in him for painting.

Ch. 19 After they go home, they have their normal routine. One day, his father asks Benjamin to paint a new sign for the inn, very plain with no gaudy colors. He would like a picture of the inn itself. After their meeting, the family gets the main room ready and his mother tells the girls where to put Benjamin’s pictures. They have done everything they can do to make the house hospitable.

After everyone finds their seats (men on one side, women on the other), the room is quiet. Mr. West speaks and puts the matter to the group: Benjamin wants to paint for his trade. Should he stop making pictures? One man stood up and said yes. His teacher stood up and recommended a committee. They agree and nominate people. Then Mrs. West invites the committee to the inn to see Benjamin’s pictures.

Ch. 18 The week is so slow for Benjamin. He is so nervous that he wishes for more chores to keep his mind off his situation. Sunday finally arrives and he is ready. He gets the feet warmers ready for his mother and the girls (it’s a metal box with a handle for storing hot coals). His father and mother ride with the children following in order of age, single file, boys first, then girls. Even Grimalkin comes.