The inspiration of <span>the windshield wiper came from Andersen's experience</span> <span>during a trip to New York City when she</span><span> noticed that streetcar drivers had to open the windows of their cars when it rained in order to see.</span>
I have read this book before. The ship is a metaphor for The USA after the assassination of Abe Lincoln during the <em>Reconstruction Period</em>