How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
His first mate, however, disagreed. Chase urged that they continue on, despite the damage. (2.62)
This is the first in a string of very bad decisions made by Chase. Although he's just the first mate, his overambitious nature (not to mention his poor problem-solving skills) directly leads to the sinking of the Essex.
Quote #2
Given the shortage of spare boats aboard the Essex, caution [...] might have been expected, but caution [...] was not part of the first mate's makeup. (5.8)
Here's foolish decision #2 from our main man Chase. Just as before, Chase lets his passion for the hunt overwhelm his rational faculties. This makes us wonder if things would have turned out differently if these guys had had the extra whaleboats, if only to help them carry additional supplies.
Quote #3
Part of him was guilt-wracked, knowing that if he had only hurled the lance, it might have all turned out differently. (5.57)
Ironically, Chase first shows caution at the worst possible moment. While things might have ended just as disastrously if Chase had attacked the whale, it would have at least given them a fighting chance. Instead, they simply got smashed.