In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick | Summary & Study Guide

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick tells the story of a whaleship which was attacked by a large bull sperm whale in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. After the shipwreck, the crew made a journey of over 4,500 miles across the ocean with limited provisions and in small whaleboats. Included in this narrative are the history of whaling in Nantucket, the experiences of whaling, and the effects of starvation and dehydration.

This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.