The story revolves around a group of sailors stranded at sea who resort to an ancient maritime custom to survive. This custom involves drawing lots to determine who will be sacrificed for the others to eat. The narrative details the harrowing events leading up to and following this decision.
- Owen Coffin, 18, was the one to draw the short strip, sealing his fate.
- George Pollard, the captain, was Owen's cousin and faced the moral dilemma of the custom.
- The 'delicate question' is posed in dire situations at sea when survival is at stake.
- The crew of the Essex was lost at sea after a whale struck their ship.
- This event inspired Herman Melville's novel, Moby Dick.
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