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1. As stated in the Preface, when, where, and why are sperm whales hunted?

The book takes place in the summer of 1821. Sperm whales are hunted in the Pacific Ocean for their oil.

2. How is a whale killed by sailors?

When a whale is sighted, six men would sail next to it. Then, they would harpoon it and attempt to kill it with a lance. The process of cutting the blubber and extracting the oil is done at sea.

3. What does the Dauphin find in the Preface?

The Dauphin is a whale ship that is sailing up the Chilean coast when it discovers a small whale boat. In the boat, there are two men on opposite sides, with a lot of bones.

4. What are some of the facts that Philbrick discloses about the sinking of the Essex in the Preface?

Philbrick reveals that it is the sinking of the Essex that inspires Herman Melville to write Moby Dick. However, this story does not end with the sinking of a ship. Also, he informs the reader that although twenty men observed the Essex sink, only eight will survive the ordeal.

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