Over the next century, Nantucket whalers wipe out the local whale population, which forces them to voyage as far as Africa and South America just to meet quotas. Though they're far tougher than those yellow-bellied right whales, sperm whales contain oodles more oil. After his boat is pushed out to sea unexpectedly, Hussey stumbles upon-and kills-the biggest whale he's ever seen. In 1712, Captain Hussey stumbles into a massive success. These missions are always led by white Nantucketers, but the Nantucketers also employ Native Americans via a system of "debt servitude" (1.16). It isn't until the beginning of the 18th century that Nantucketers first start hunting whales. Also, in case you don't know, whales were once the world's preeminent source for oil. These dudes are relatively small, so they regularly make their way into Nantucket's harbor. But then these settlers realize that they have something far more valuable swimming in their sea: whales. Things aren't great at first-Nantucket's no place for a bunch of farmers. While the small island was once home to a native population, the arrival of the English in 1659 led to the founding of the town of Nantucket. Let's rewind for a second and talk about Nantucket. In Nantucket's unique brand of superstition, that can only mean bad things. There's only one problem: as the Essex is being readied, a "comet appeared in the night sky" (1.1). Another long standing member of the crew, Owen Chase, is taking over the new captain's former position. That's Captain George Pollard, the ship's former first mate. Even better is the fact that his bros Barzillai Ray, Owen Coffin, and Charles Ramsdell are a part of the crew-though that's because Coffin's uncle is the Essex's new captain. As a Nantucket native, Nickerson is psyched to be joining his first crew. And where does that oil come from? Whales. Although most of America is mired in an economic crisis, Nantucket is doing quite well due to high oil prices. It's his first whaling voyage, so he's stuck with the lowly position of cabin boy. For young Thomas Nickerson, stepping aboard the Essex, a Nantucket whaleship, is "the most pleasing moment of life" (1.1).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |