philbrick (facilitation make-up): endurance.

Philbrick chose to write In the Heart of the Sea because Nantucket had a science that made the story seem “all more real and frightening to a modern audience.”

Nantucket was “an almost medival place with a one-sided version of war.” the community rallied around the sea and the hope it offered. also wanted to guarantee its place in the world. one-sided version of war-- all winning and gains, no losses.  

In the Heart of the Sea offers “a perspective that did not take Nantucket and its history for granted.” wanted to include the benefits of the story and how it impacted America's creation story.

According to a Penguin Group interview with Philbrick, Philbrick retold the story because it was a survival take, which happened to be an essential part of American history. like most of the stories and narratives we have read in class, survival--on way or another--has been a crucial mechanism that has shaped American society.

He says: “Americans today have lost track of the importance the sea had in creating the nation’s emerging identity.”

Question: what can the story of the sea tell us about America’s creation story?

The accounts of Chase came immediately after the men returned to land and those of Nickerson came much later. Nickerson offered details that Chase lacked; Chase offered more of an historical layout. Philbrick took these two accounts and combined them for the foundation of In the Heart of the Sea.  Collaborating the two allowed for a better story and unity.

Question: Which source seems to be more credible? Which character is more reliable?

Philbrick describes Pollard by calling him “too much of a Hamlet”

Question: What are some defining characteristics of Polland? What does Philbrick mean when he calls Pallard a Hamlet? cowardly?

Some of the young men returned to sea after the tragic crash of the Essex. Even though this does not seem like a reasonable or even predictable future for these men, the sea was still full of opportunity. Plus, the crew had already survived the worse. again, the sea was all the hope that Nantucket had. Nantucketers put all there energy into whaling. These men did not have any other option.

Why In the Heart of the Sea is a survival story: “peels away the niceties and comforts of civilization.” Everything means nothing when in survival mood—time when you must depend on self rather than society. There is nothing left. This is not an adventure story because there is nothing adventurous about suffering.

Question: What does the whales attack on the ship symbolize about American society?

This video shows a comical look at the tragedy of the whale ship Essex. How is this relevant. Is there any humor?