Prologue

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses colonial violence and imperialist attitudes. In addition, the source text uses racist language to refer to Indigenous people, which is replicated in direct quotes only. In January 1778, fishermen on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i spotted two enormous ships approaching by torchlight. Bewildered and frightened, they described the vessels as leviathans with holes and a long spear at the front. The next morning, the villagers, including the high chief Kaeo, gathered to witness these mysterious apparitions, speculating whether they were floating temples or trees moving on the sea. The villagers’ fear and awe grew as they watched humanlike creatures on the ships, mistaking their appearance and clothing for deformities.

Prologue Summary: “And Louder Grew the Shouting”

Book 1, Chapter 1

In 1776, James Cook had risen to prominence as a celebrated navigator and post-captain. He was highly regarded by scientists and society, even posing for renowned portrait painters and receiving honors like the Copley Medal. Cook’s recent return from his second circumnavigation of the globe solidified his status. During this voyage, he extensively explored the southern oceans in search of the hypothetical continent, <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Index of Terms" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-wide-wide-sea/index-of-terms/#644024">Terra Australis Incognita</a>. Despite thorough and perilous searches, he concluded that the continent did not exist, contributing to the idea of “negative discovery.

Book 1, Chapter 1 Summary: “Negative Discoverer”

Book 1, Chapter 2

Book 1, Chapter 2 Summary: “Proto-Anthropologist”

Book 1, Chapter 3

Book 1, Chapter 3 Summary: “A Human Pet”

Book 1, Chapter 4

Book 1, Chapter 4 Summary: “A Fine Retreat”

Book 1, Chapter 5

Book 1, Chapter 5 Summary: “A Natural Politeness”

Book 1, Chapter 6

Book 1, Chapter 6 Summary: “The Problem of the Ice”

Book 1, Chapter 7

Book 1, Chapter 7 Summary: “No Tutor but Nature”

Book 1, Chapter 8

Book 1, Chapter 8 Summary: “Fresh Discoveries”

Book 1, Chapter 9

Book 1, Chapter 9 Summary: “The Secret Instructions”

Prologue-Book 1

Prologue-Book 1 Analysis

Genres

Action & Adventure

Historic & Literary Period

Colonialism & Postcolonialism

History: World

European History

Nonfiction

Inspiring Biographies

Natural World

Science & Nature

Hampton Sides

Adult

Biography

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Wide Wide Sea and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Wide Wide Sea Summary and Study Guide

contentWarning

Background

The Wide Wide Sea Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The First Navigator of Europe”

The Wide Wide Sea Prologue-Book 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “The Weight of My Resentment”

Book 2

The Wide Wide Sea Book 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 3: “Faraway Heaven”

Book 3

The Wide Wide Sea Book 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 4

The Wide Wide Sea Book 4 Summary & Analysis

Book 5: “Apotheosis”

Book 5-Epilogue

The Wide Wide Sea Book 5-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Wide Wide Sea Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Wide Wide Sea Themes

Index of Terms

The Wide Wide Sea Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Wide Wide Sea Important Quotes with Page Numbers

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Wide Wide Sea Essay Topics

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

Prologue-Book 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The First Navigator of Europe”

Related Titles

Featured Collections