On page 140, Simpson shares the purpose of the preceding chapters:

"But our concern is that of establishing the historical context for the case of the Mignonette, and for that purpose what really happened hardly matter; what was really important was belief and myth, not reality."

In preparation for our discussion tomorrow, I thought it might be helpful to flesh out the belief and myth around seaman, cannibalism at sea, the law, and anything else you find central to our examination of the text.

I will start with a thought or two, hopefully people will add what they know and create talk pages to figure out stuff we don't so that we are ready for tomorrow's class.

Seamen

As trade by boat, exploration, and yachting expanded, shipwrecks were commonplace. Once wrecked, rescue was a challenge for a number of reasons. First, there was no way to communicate you location. Second, even if found, ships without provisions (which seemed to be quite a few in those days) would not pick you up. Third, actually rescuing seamen in the wind-powered boats of the time was dangerous. Fourth, sharks, rough weather, and a lack of preparation for a potential shipwreck meant that, once the boat was lost, the crew likely was as well.

The Seamen themselves worked in virtual slavery. Provisions were meager at best, fear of desertion made them captives when the boat was at dock, and they were generally perceived to be drunkards – brave, but unfit for civilized society. The captain (and possibly the first mate) had it a bit better, but still starved with the rest of the crew when the ill-equipped ship went down.

Cannibalism

Accounts of cannibalism at sea were made known through newspapers, plays, books, and song. Most common was the consumption of sailors drowned in the wreck or overcome by dehydration and starvation. When no such meals were available, seaman drew lots to determine who would die and who would be the executioner. Seeing as the survirs provide the only evidence and it was usually one of the youngest, weakest, or darkest that was killed and eaten, it is likely that the selection was rigged or lots were never really drawn.

The Law

The public was both repulsed and enamored with the process and the judiciary took a hands off approach.

-- AdamCarlis - 04 Mar 2008