Tag: sperm whale

Chapter 81: The Pequod Meets The Virgin

Robin VanGilderLeave a comment

Enough of this reflection and philosophizing, it’s time for more action!

virgin2

I do wonder if Melville was a bit self-conscious in writing this book, aware that he was a bit too heavy on the high-minded discourse, when his audience was expecting more of a rollicking action-adventure yarn. After all, his most successful previous books, Typee and Omoo were more in that vein. Thus, the sudden shift in tone here, to a good ol’ fashioned whale hunt. Continue reading “Chapter 81: The Pequod Meets The Virgin” →

Chapter 75: The Right Whale’s head—Contrasted View

Robin VanGilderLeave a comment

I bet you never could’ve guessed this chapter title. Not in a million years.

right2

In this chapter, we learn a bit more about the other whale, the one the southern whalers usually spurn, at least these days. And by “these days” I of course mean the 1840s, when this book was written. Nowadays, nobody is out hunting whales, except the Makah of the Washington coast, and the Japanese, probably. Continue reading “Chapter 75: The Right Whale’s head—Contrasted View” →

Chapter 72: The Monkey-Rope

Robin VanGilderLeave a comment

Let’s keep this train rollin’.

monkey1

Today’s chapter is back in more grounded territory, after the high-minded philosophy of the last few. Just some good ol’ fashioned whale butchering shenanigans with Ishmael and Queequeg. Remember them? The ostensible deuteragonists of this book? They’re back! Continue reading “Chapter 72: The Monkey-Rope” →