In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

Does Philbrick suggest that the communal and religious identity of the people of Nantucket played a large role in the outcome of the Essex tragedy? If so, how?

Explore how the relationship between Pollard and Chase contributed to poor decision-making over the span of the journey. To what extent does Philbrick suggest either of these men was responsible for the disaster?

How does Philbrick depict the relationship between the Nantucket whalers and the animals they hunted? Does this differ from the way in which the whalers themselves viewed that relationship?