Two Years Before the Mast
The author and narrator, who recounts his time as a sailor before the mast.
I
The narrator joins the crew of the Pilgrim, describing his transformation from a student to a sailor and his first experiences aboard.
II
First voyage, keeps the first watch at sea, suffers seasickness, begins to adapt to sea life.
Ship's Duties—Tropics
Provides a detailed account of shipboard life and duties.
IV
Experiences his first sight of land at Pernambuco, sees catamarans, and encounters a Pompero gale during his watch.
V
The narrator describes his experiences during the storm, including furling the jib in dangerous conditions and enduring constant wetness and cold.
VI
The narrator reflects on the death of George Ballmer and engages in a conversation with the cook about superstitions.
VII
Describes his first sight of land, his eagerness to go ashore, and his lasting attachment to the island.
VIII
Moves from steerage to forecastle, learns to make and mend clothes, participates in tarring and painting, and reflects on the life of a sailor.
IX
The narrator observes the surf landing and hide loading, reflecting on the contrast with his Cambridge college life.
Southeaster and Passage Up the Coast
The narrator describes the storm, the maneuvers, and the interactions with passengers.
XI
Describes his experience aloft during the squall, losing his hat, and later performing his first act of seamanship by sending down a royal yard.
XII
The narrator participates in the crew's Sunday work and later goes fishing, observing the customs officers and describing Californian society.
XIII
Acts as interpreter and trader, learning Spanish and observing local customs.
XIV
The narrator expresses his despair over the extended voyage and his resolve to become a master of a vessel. He participates in the grueling work of hauling goods and hides ashore at San Pedro.
XV
Witnesses the floggings, feels sick and angry, vows to redress sailors' grievances, spends a solitary night ashore, and observes the crew's demoralized state.
XVI
Enjoys his first true taste of liberty ashore, reflecting on the sweetness of freedom and the bonds of shipmate loyalty.
XVII
The narrator reflects on the weakened crew and the effects of the flogging on the men.
XVIII
Reflects on the beauty of San Juan and the romance of hide droghing; later goes down the cliff by halyards to retrieve lodged hides.
XIX
Narrator describes his new life as a hide curer and beachcomber, living with Nicholas and the Sandwich Islanders.
XX
Receives letters and newspapers from home via the Alert, reads them eagerly, and engages in daily work and social activities on the beach.
XXI
The narrator observes and recounts the social and legal practices in California, including instances of murder and justice.
XXII
Anxious to return home, he arranges an exchange to board the Alert and improve his seamanship.
Chapter XXIII
Serves in the gig, rows passengers and goods ashore, enjoys the variety and social opportunities, and spends night watches with Tom Harris.
XXIV
Volunteers to descend a cliff to retrieve hides, reflecting his blend of lightness and strength; also reflects on his pride in taking a weather earing.
Chapter XXV
The narrator participates in the departure from Santa Barbara, the rounding of Point Conception, and the rowing race to shore.
Chapter XXVI
The narrator is ordered to go to San José but escapes when the Indians leave without him; he later participates in wood loading and spends a cold, rainy night in an open boat.
XXVII
The narrator participates in the liberty day activities, including the boxing match and the fandango, and describes the events in detail.
XXVIII
Receives Boston newspapers, reads about his college classmates' graduation, and reflects on his contrasting life at sea. He also observes George Marsh's departure with curiosity.
XXIX
The narrator is central to the chapter, describing his feelings of relief and regret as the ship prepares to leave California, and his role in facilitating the exchange of crew members.
Homeward Bound: Preparations and Anticipation
The narrator reflects on the voyage home, prepares for bad weather, and recalls his surprise at meeting Professor N⸺.
XXXI
Describes the harsh conditions and the wave that sweeps the deck; reflects on temperance policies and the crew's suffering.
XXXII
The narrator describes the crew's joy at sighting land, the dangerous ice encounter, and the harsh Cape Horn life, including his own physical health and silent recitations.
XXXIII
The narrator observes the conflict between captain and mate, participates in sail setting, and later admires the ship from the flying jibboom.
XXXIV
Narrowly escapes death when the fore topgallant yard falls after he steps off; later furls sails during the storm and observes the corposant.
XXXV
The narrator describes the ship's preparations for port, the onset of scurvy, and the encounter with the Solon.
XXXVI
Reflects on his apathy upon nearing home, then becomes active as the ship prepares to dock.
Concluding Chapter
The narrator and author, reflecting on the systemic issues faced by sailors and advocating for gradual reform.
Twenty-Four Years After
Returns to California after twenty-four years, reflecting on personal changes and the transformation of the landscape.
Endnotes
The author provides explanatory notes on sailor life, including eating customs and shipboard practices.
