How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
It has been estimated that sailors [...] were consuming around 3,800 calories a day. It is unlikely that the men [...] consumed even close to that amount. (3.50)
Even before disaster strikes the Essex, her crew is already running on fumes. This is hugely important, as these men will be expected to survive a horrendous ordeal despite not being at full strength when things get started. That's like starting the Daytona 500 with half a tank of gas.
Quote #2
If they did succeed in reaching South America in sixty days, each man knew he would be little more than a breathing skeleton. (7.11)
This is a scary truth. Can you imagine how you'd react if you were told that you'd be stranded on a boat for two months? We know what we'd do: grab a volleyball, give it a name, and purchase a one-way ticket to crazy town. We hear it's beautiful this time of year.
Quote #3
Chase was plagued by [...] a "tormenting memory" [...] forced to relive the trauma over and over again. (7.15)
Chase's suffering is more psychological than it is physical. Unlike his subordinates, Chase knows that his choices caused the Essex disaster, filling him with a shame that eats him away from the inside.