The Caine Mutiny

Herman Wouk's third novel, published in 1951, makes use of Wouk's experience as a Naval officer in the war to evoke a drama of duty, courage, and psychological insight. When a typhoon strikes the U.S.S. Caine, Captain Queeg's series of panicked commands completely destroy what little confidence and loyalty his crew has invested in him. Queeg's sanity is called into question by the higher ranking members of his crew. The resulting mutiny and court martial scenes dramatize the issues of obedience, military order, and justifiable insubordination. This novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1952.