Read the following text from a historical novel. This excerpt is about Hawaiian princess Kaʻiulani's 1893 visit to New York City.
The pier ahead of us was crowded with reporters and ordinary citizens who had come to see me arrive. I do not believe they were there out of admiration, but rather to satisfy their curiosity. I found the size of the crowd daunting, but buried this thought deep inside, so that I would not be distracted from the task at hand. I may no longer officially be a princess, but I certainly behave as one.
Once we had disembarked, the crowd moved to surround me. There were so many strangers pressing close, and shouting questions, that it took all of my strength to keep my expression immobile and calm.
From Ellen Emerson White, Kaiulani: The People's Princess. Copyright 2001 by Ellen Emerson White
The previous text suggested that the crowd was curious about Kaʻiulani. How does this historical novel build on or challenge that idea?
