I think Stubb is obsessed with the whale he killed because in Chapter 64 he eats a little of the piece of it and also in chapter 70 he volunteer to behead the corpse. I also felt bad for Fleece because Stubb kept on yelling at him for overcooking the whale and also messing around with him.
I feel bad for the crew and Ishmael after they kill the whale they have to lift it on the ship. It explains how it feels like they are getting nowhere.
I think it's true that stubb is obsessed with the whale he killed but isn't that kind of the same with Ahab's situation? At some point a sailor will be obsessed with a whale. Their personality will change because of what they experienced or what they are going through because of the whale
It is freaky how the crew members hanged a bloody head of a whale by their ship. Ahab's monomania is shown when he was speaking to the head of the whale. He wanted to know the secrets of the ocean.
I found the part where Stubb ate the whale meat to be disgusting. The process of killing the whale is already inhumane and on top of that the crew killed the sharks that made an attempt to devour the whale. Queequeg nearly lost his hand by the teeth of one of the dead sharks. This showed how dangerous the sea can be even though the crew itself is dangerous.
After finally catching the whale, it's pretty disturbing that Stubb ate a piece of the whale. It's also disturbing that they hung the whales head on the ship as some sort of representation as a trophy
It is interesting how Stubb is telling Fleece to tell the sharks to quiet down and how he relates it to preaching and converting. I assume he is calling the sharks the sinners as they are eating the whale meat but the same goes for Stubb too since he's enjoying his steak. -Chrystal Wong
@ Timothy Wong I also agree with you about Stubb's treatment of Fleece. He seems to be getting really cocky about the fact that he has caught a whale. It is possible that what Fleece says that he hopes a whale would eat Stubb instead of the other way around could foreshadow something dangerous is going to happen to Stubb.
@Kelly Xue and @ Sammi Chung I agree that hanging the whale's head on the ship and eating the whale after murdering it (in a horrible fashion, too) is disturbing. But I think if we were to be in the crew's place, we might feel differently. I think for them it's a sense of achievement for them to go up against a whale and survive. As for Stubb eating the whale steak, Ishmael says that some Nantucketers like to eat that specific part of the Sperm Whale, and Melville says the tongue of the Right Whale used to be a delicacy in France. However, Stubb seriously needs to get off his high horse.
@Timothy Wong and @Cynthia Elle I agree with what Cynthia and Timothy said. But on chapter 65, Ishmael goes and explains how in some way everyone is a cannibal. He tries to tell us that what they do on the boat and with the whales is not as bad as compared to the " civilized and Enlightened gourmand" who catch geese for their foie gras.
@Mary Qiu I agree that it was unpleasant to learn that the crew of the Pequod actually hung a bloody whale's head in the ship. However, like @Jennifer L said, it must have been a great accomplishment for the crew to kill this enormous Leviathan and survive! Also, I believe that Ahab has become very deranged for speaking to the head of the captured whale. This definitely shows that his monomania to capture Moby Dick has only grown larger.
@Timothy Wong and @Chrystal Wong I also feel bad for how Stubb treated Fleece. Stubb woke him up from his sleep to complain about the whale-steak being overdone. Plus he told him that he should be born over again because he doesn't know how to cook whale-steak yet. I feel that since he has killed this whale he has too much pride.
@Kelly Xue I also think it was pretty disgusting how Stubb had a piece of the whale for supper after killing it in such a horrendous manner. I understand that whale hunting was a way for someone to earn some money but actually eating the whale seems kind of sick. I also thought that Stubb was acting very superior with Fleece. The poor guy probably just wanted to back to sleep rather than have Stubb tell him to preach to a bunch of sharks. -Farhana Kabir
@Chrystal Wong I agree with what you said and Fleece telling the sharks to be civilized is quiet ironic also since if thought about, the salvages are the people aboard the Peqoud. They are the foreigners to the ocean and as such do not contemplate the rules and laws of the sea of which they must abide by just like people on land view the ocean as wild and others with different way of lives as theirs also as uncivilized. Adjoa Nyameh
Why does the the cook, Fleece,in chapter 64 tell the sharks to be more civilized about eating the meat of the wheal? They are animals and therefore can not understand what he is saying to them. It does not make sense as to why he would try to talk to the sharks knowing they are animals. Even if they understood him, why would they listen to him and give up their food? It seems to me that Fleece's attempt to talk to the sharks was a waist.
I would have thought that getting the oil after killing the whale would be easy, or at least less dangerous, but every part of whaling is dangerous! Queequeg is in a dangerous position and half in the water. I'm glad that he and Ishmael are tied together, though. Sure, if Queequeg goes down, Ishmael goes down, but in this way, the person on board (in this case, Ishmael) will take his job more seriously because he can't just cut the rope. Poor Queequeg is surrounded by sharks, and even though Tashtego and Daggoo try to kill the sharks, it's dangerous for him in case they miss. Then there's Tashtego almost dying after slipping. Lastly, Queequeg might be a "savage" but he is very, very noble. He's saved a person earlier in the book and Tashtego in chapter 78.
@Alina Bita I think Fleece only preaches to the sharks because Stubb is of a higher rank than him and told him to. He has to entertain Stubb's whims in a way.
@Jennifer L. I do understand that Stubb is of a higher rank and that Fleece has to obey his command however I do not understand why Stubb would even tell Fleece to speak to the sharks. They are animal and therefore no matter who talks to them they will not understand or listen. Therefore Stubb's request is useless and has no purpose to it.
@Alina Bita I agree with you that Stubb's request really was useless, but I think Melville might be trying to make a point. Trying to replace the savage nature of the sharks, or anything for that matter, with civilized manners isn't going to happen. The laws of nature, of survival, is something that cannot be touched or changed. The ways of one won't necessarily be the same for another. -Stephanie Leung
@Jennifer L. and @Sammi Chung, I agree that it is inhumane for them to eat the whale but as Jennifer L. said it is an achievement. But we also have to keep in mind that we are from different time period, their mindset is completely different from ours. What we deem gross and inhumane is perfectly normal to them so we can't really judge Stubb for being inhumane just because he ate a piece of his prize (the whale).
In chapter 69 I find it sad how once they get what they needed from the whale they just end up throwing it overboard again. They should really respect the whale since they are getting their resources from it.
@Michelle Wong I agree with you on the way the crew treated the whale with disrespect, especially after they stripped the whale of the resources it provided for them. However, in Chapter 65, Ishmael does question the nature of killing a whale and eating its meat, mentioning that slaughtering a whale might seem like committing a murderous act, but slaughtering an ox probably did when it first happened as well. So to them, it’s more like an act of nature rather than a brutal and inhuman act.
Personally, I found it a bit strange in Chapter 94 that Ishmael enjoyed "squeezing" the sperm. I understand that it was a duty to keep the sperm from turning back into a solid, but Ishmael was describing it with such enthusiasm that it seemed as though he were obsessed.
@Michelle Wong and @ Michelle S I disagree with your comment that they the crew disrespected the whale, it is part of nature and its survival of the fittest. The crews job is to get the whale, kill it and take all its resources. They can't take the whale with them for many reasons such as it would slow them down, it would probably rot and stink, no one would buy or want whats left. Ishmael himself tells us that we see this as such a murderous act, but slaughtering an ox probably had the same effect in the beginning. There are certain things that are done in order to help the human population survive such as killing animals. An example of what they did would be with paint, when you buy a can and if you don't you use the entire can of paint you have to throw it out, even if you try to save it the paint will dry up in a few months and it will be useless.
@Timothy Wong I personally believe his desire to eat a "whale steak" was just a separate case of hunger. I do acquiesce that he was, in fact, obsessed with the whale. It seemed as though Captain Ahab was getting to him. - Alec Gurevich
@Luis Carrasco I agree with you. It is a necessity for the crew to kill the whale. They need to kill the whale to survive. From killing the whale they are able to obtain money and oil.
I think Stub is taking the whole "killing a whale" too seriously. It's understandable that he's excited that he has finally killed a whale, but he shouldn't think so highly of himself because of that
@Sammi Chung I agree with you. I think Melville is trying to depict the awful occurrences and difficulties at sea as a prelude to the foreshadowed, and most-likely fatal, encounter with the White Whale.
@Alina Bita I agree with what @Jennifer L said cause there is a social structure, or should I say hierarchy in the ship. Since Fleece's position is much lower thank Stubs, and Stub is basically in charge cause he caught a whale, he must listen to anything Stub say even though it sounds like it doesn't make sense. I also have seen what others have posted and I, too, think that there is a deeper meaning to what Fleece is doing.
I think it is very interesting that Stubb ate part of the whale which he killed. It seems like he's becoming obsessive, which is translating into him appearing more barbaric like an animal. The idea of Stubb taking on a more barbaric, animal-like mindset can even be translated into him acting territorial. It's as if he is saying that the whale is his, all his, and he is showing that.
In Chapter 78, the scene where Tashtego has fallen into the whales head was a scene that was full of excitement to me. I think that its amazing just to think that a human can fall inside such a large and powerful animals head. When one of the hooks teared off the skin i was filled with suspense and i was hoping for Daggoo to save him, but the whale fell into the water and Queequegg saved him from death by pulling him out from the bottom of the head. I think this shows how dangerous whaling is even after the whale is dead. This can also foreshadow how Ahab can have bad luck with Moby Dick and get caught inside of the whale. -Luis Carrasco
I find it ironic that Fleece is telling the sharks to be civilized and yet he compares Stubb to a shark. I also believe that this is another example of Melville' civilized vs. uncivilized concept because Stubb (a white second mate) would be considered more civilized compared to Fleece (A black cook) but in actuality it is the other way around.
@ Elizabeth Lewis, I agree with you on the fact that maybe Stubb is becoming obsessive and i think that Ahab's revenge has made him change as we can see that he chews into the whale meat which is very tough. I think that the other members of the Pequod might take similar actions.
When Queepueg dives into the ocean saving Tashtego by using a sword and cutting a whole, it seems a bit too unrealistic because shouldn't the head have already brought down Tashtego, killing him by then? I think Melville should of had him killed, making the readers think its that more crazy. It is such a difficult task, but to me, I felt like its just too unrealistic how QUeepueg had that much time to save Tashtego in the oily big whale head in the oocean. -Sammy Ye
@Sammi Chung @Kelly Xue I agree with you guys that the whole process of hunting the whale is absolutely inhumane and disturbing. It kind of shook me when I read that stubb actually ate part of the sperm whale. That's crazy how they'd be able to devour a whale although i can see that it's a Nantucker thing of eating part of the whale so it wouldnt be that strange of a thing looking at it from Stubb's point of view.
While reading chapter 94 I felt really grossed out. The crew "squeezed" the "sperm" that came out of the whale. Besides the sperm, Ishmael explains other things that come out such as white-horse, plum-pudding, which is certain parts of the whale's flesh adhering to the blubber, the slobgollion, which is an post, stringy affair found in the tubs of sperm after prolonged squeezing, gurry, which is a dark, glutinous substance scraped off the back of the whale, nippers, which is a strip of tendinous stuff cut from the tapering part of the tail. This describes how the members treat the whale and don't pay respect to it. They are ruthless and rough with the whale. Even though we know they kill whales, it just gives us, the readers, more insight about the relationship between the crew and whales.
@luis carrasco I agree with you. The crew didnt disrespect the whale. The crew had to kill the whale in order to complete their job. They need the resources that the whale provides. That is how they make a living. Even though it was inhumane, the job had to be done.
I think that it is very disgusting in chap 69 when they just release the carcass of the whale into the ocean.Vultures and sharks follows and eats it. The chap. shows how people can be very shallow when Ishmael states that people on ships mistaken the carcass, along with the vultures and sharks, as some sort of ghost and avoids it. Future whalers would avoid that area because of a law of precedents.
@Alec Gurevich I agree with you about Chapter 94. I was weirded out by the way Ishmael says he squeezed until he himself melted into it. He's so overwhelmed with this task that he even squeezes his coworker's hand mistaking it for the globules.
@Jennifer L I strongly agree with you. I never thought that every part of the whaling process would be extremely dangerous. Queepeg is indeed in an extremely dangerous position where his life can be at risk whiling harpooning the whale. Although he and Ismael are tied together, if one goes down so will the other so they have to work together during that process.
It’s about time they finally catch a whale, but how they treat the whale after they capture it was disgusting. It’s inhuman and should be banned. Then again, it’s their job to do so and you can’t criticize someone for doing their job. The idea of how they slice the whale, stab the hook in it’s head, cut it up, and everything else... it’s so realistic that it’s scary. Can you imagine if it happens to us and not a whale?
@sammi chung i agree with the fact that eating the whale's meat is disgusting and the whole process of killing and cutting up the whale is terrible. @michelle they really should've dispose of the whale better and no just throw it back into the ocean.
In chapter 69, I found the description pertaining to the whale's so called 'funeral' to be sordid. It shows us how the mighty whale, feared even in life is a vehement foe after death. The ghost that remains lays fears into all its foes, and I found this to be a great representation on the vast power of a whale which Melville so clearly evinces throughout this book.
In chapter 69, I found the description pertaining to the whale's so called 'funeral' to be sordid. It shows us how the mighty whale, feared even in life is a vehement foe after death. The ghost that remains lays fears into all its foes, and I found this to be a great representation on the vast power of a whale which Melville so clearly evinces throughout this book.
@Jasmin Kim I also find it interesting that Melville names many of the characters in the book after those in the Bible, and I find that the story explained in Chapter 71 is yet another clue into the fate of Ahab and his hunt for Moby Dick. From all of the past stories and information given about Moby Dick, it seems as though Ahab's encounter with Moby Dick won't end up with very much vengeance since any one who tries to bring him down, fail.
Yes it is horribly gruesome and morbid the way they treat the whale but it's something that has to be done. They are the men who are willing to do this deed, no matter how vile it is. These are men who do this as a living. If we were to apply how they cut the whale up into different context though, it'd be inhumane either way.
@jackie li I strongly concur how treating the whale after they captured it was disgusting. Ishmael believes capturing the whale is a "noble dish". One must eat it by the light of a lamp that burns the whale's oil. Although it may be inhuman to people now, it had been a necessity to people back then.
I agree with you. The sea can be a dangerous setting, especially if one is not prepared for it. The shark's were only doing what they could do for food though. The crew is in this with only each other, trying to survive.
@Jasmin Kim I strongly agree with you. Melville's choice of names is very well-thought out. I personally feel Gabriel is more crazy than a prophet, but I do feel he is correct in saying that Moby Dick should not be hunted. Also, I feel that Gabriel was foretelling the future when he tells Ahab that he (Ahab) is going to die and meet Macey, the dead mate.
@ Sammy Ye Meville , as we all know is one of the best writer. We can all acknowledge the fact that killing the whale scene was very descriptive and realistic. But I agree with you that the fact that Queequeg had that much time to save Tashtego was unrealistic. It seems like every part of the whale is important that even the whale's head holds a good amount of value.
@Selena Huang I completely agree with you. I think it's just so ironic how Stubb eats the whale by the light by a lamp fueled by whale oil, how people pick their teeth with a goose feather after eating a goose, and so on. It's like a double slap in the face for the animals, except much, much worse.
What stood out to me the most in the reading so far is when they talk about the sharks fighting for the whale meat and then they say that if you turned it around, human fight for things in the same savage way, we are always to ready to jump at the first opportunity we see to get ahead, the sad truth.
@Chrystal Wong I think Stubb's feelings of superiority also stems from the fact that Fleece is African-American and the fact that he orders Fleece to preach to the sharks.
I agree with @Jenny, even though Stubb and the crew had finally killed a whale, Stubb did not have to eat apart of the whale. That is really unnecessary because he had already killed it. Eating the apart whale as celebration is over the top. Stubb needs to calm down because his action showed disrespect.
I think it's interesting how Melville compares the sharks that are along the Pequod to the sharks that swam along slave ships. I think it comments on the nature of the whaling business as a cruel one and on the future of the Pequod. -Milo S.
@Jackie Li Although it may seem disgusting and disrespectful to us, I think treating a whale in this gruesome manner was typical among whale hunters back then. I also think that Stubb's obsession with his kill can be justified. He is simply proud of killing a whale. He ate it because he was excited and wanted to taste his achievement.
@Timothy Wong and @Chrystal Wong I also feel bad for how Stubb treated Fleece. Stubb woke him up from his sleep to complain about the whale-steak being overdone. Plus he told him that he should be born over again because he doesn't know how to cook whale-steak yet. I feel that since he has killed this whale he has too much pride. -Kareena L.
I can't believe they killed the whale in such a horrible manner and peel the blubber off. Ahab is really obsessed with the whale because he hangs it's head on the ship and begins to talk to it as if it's an actual person.
Question: Do all the whales become spirits? After a whale is killed in that part of the ocean, does it really make the other animals angry and more protective of each other?
I find it interesting that when Stubb goes out to kill the whale, he lights a pipe. No matter how gruesome or inappropriate the task may be, Stubb remains calm while nonchalantly smoking a pipe. When he finally gets close enough to kill the whale, he enjoys every second of it. I do not think this means that he is sadistic or inhumane, but simply a regular sailor that accomplished one of the most perilous tasks out there. Many people would be very proud of themselves for killing something as large and scary as an enormous sperm whale. You have to give him props for doing what he did.
I find it interesting how most whale hunters except the Stubb and the Equimauz don't eat the whale. Usually hunters that hunt for species cook and eat the species afterwards. I think Melville is trying to say that the whale hunters get tired of the whales after hunting them down causing them to loose appetite for the whale.
What biblical reference does Gabriel, a sailor aboard the Jeroboam play pertaining to his predictions about his prophesies that Moby Dick is the incarnation of the Shaker god and that any attempts to harm him will result in disaster?
@Timothy Wong , I totally agree with you, Stubb took so much pride in his killing and felt superior in a sense. I did find chapter 64 hilarious because Stubb certainly made a fool out of Fleece and told him he should be born again so maybe he would make it correct in the next life, haha. But I don't get the part when Fleece told the sharks that each of them has the same right to feed off the whale carcass as the others because afterall it doesn't belong to them but to someone else. To whom is Fleece referring to when he said "someone else"? To the crewmembers/townspeople, the forces of nature, or the wilderness of the sea...etc?
The stories Ahab is hearing about past encounters with Moby Dick is probably making him more eager to find him so he could be the first one who survives the encounter. -Kareena L.
In chapter 65, Ishmael compares the murder of a whale to an ox because at first it might seem murderous and brutal but then it becomes normal since it is natural for us to eat meat. I think Melville is trying to say that humans are naturally born with some kind of murderous intent.
I do agree that it is their job to kill the whales so it's not really their fault that they have to do this gruesome task. There is no pleasant way of dismembering an animal's body. And maybe throwing the carcass into the water wasn't the kindest thing to do, but they couldn't have kept it on board either. Besides the putrid smell and vermin that would come with it, the sharks would continue to swarm around the ship. Everyone knows how much Stubb hates sharks.
I agree with @Jackie Li, the capturing of the whales and the killings are so violent yet the men on the ship are suppose to uphold the values of a" Christian society." it seems like everything is so ironic...
@Jennifer L. I completely agree with you about Gabriel being insane and I find it interesting that everytime Gabriel's name is mentioned he interrupted Mayhew with the sea. I also agree that Gabriel was foretelling Ahab's death at the "hands", fins?, of Moby Dick. Gabriel may appear to be crazy, but he seems to know something.
@Jennifer L Eating an animal and then using it to accomplish another task was ironic and (just like Melville put it), "adding insult to injury." But, why wouldn't you do so if you had the opportunity to? If you were on board the ship and needed light, wouldn't you make the whale’s oil into good use? And, why wouldn't you pick your teeth with a goose feather after eating a delectable goose? I mean, I guess they didn't have tooth picks back then. Lol
@Sammi Chung I don’t think you should be appalled by the fact that Stubb ate the whale meat. I actually find it acceptable that he did so. The crew has been on this voyage for so long and what else do they have to eat? Also, the practice of eating whale meat still goes on today in countries including Iceland, Norway and Japan.
In chapter 91 on page 327 are they saying that they caught a diseased whale but are not going to let it go? Sorry I'm a little confused. I guess that doesn't bode well for the sailors on their continuing journey since they were asking about Moby Dick and received this information.
I agree, I wasn't really taken aback by the eating of the whale meat either but it did, however, disgusted me in the way that they can slaughter living beings in such inhumane manners.
@Nicole Yu I agree with you. Stubb's and Ahab's situation is similar. Ahab became obsessed with Moby Dick. Moby Dick caused Ahab to lose one of his leg which caused Ahab to constantly think about seeking revenge on Moby Dick. I think Ahab is becoming crazy from seeking revenge on the white whale. Towards the end of chapter 100, Ahab raged towards the crew of Samuel Enderby and Moby Dick.
In a way, I can somewhat sympathize Ahab for his history and experience, ofc it does not justify his revenge, but I can't really understand Stubb's enthusiasm in this "voyage".
When you read further into the chapter, Stubb finds something in the sick whale after the Frenchmen left. From the way he reacted, this substance might've been valuable back then.
In Chapter 92, Ishmael explains that the substance, ambergris, was used for perfumes.
I agree with you. I think Stubb is enthusiastic in the voyage because he's in it for the money. In Chapter 99, the coin engraved in gold on the ship, everyone shared their opinions about what this coin might mean. For example, Starbuck believes it is a religious sign. But Stubb sees this coin as money to be spent on things like cigars.
Wouldn't the interaction with Samuel Enderby ship be a sign for Ahab to stop hunting for Moby Dick? The captain of this ship lost an arm from the harpoon stuck to Moby Dick. They found Moby again but did not hunt it. This was a smart move. Yet, Ahab still continues to try and hunt Moby. If someone like the captain of the Samuel Enderby ship has gone through the same incident as Ahab, and has chosen not to hunt the white whale the second time, how come Ahab hasn't? I find it funny how Ahab continues to persist, despite all the bad omens.
Ahab is clearly obsess with Moby Dick. I agree that when the crew encounter Samuel Enderby it was supposed to be a sign telling Ahab to give up on Moby Dick. It showed a good comparison between a captain, Boomer, who is willing to let go, and Ahab, who is growing insane because of the whale. They both suffered and lost something that can never be replace, yet somehow Ahab only saw the pessimistic side and blamed God.
In chapter 93, it shows that not only the ocean is dangerous, but one's actions can lead to danger. Pip always jumps from the boat. The first time Stubb saved him by cutting the rope and they lost the whale. The second time he was left stranded in the middle of the sea.
Although very short, chapter 97 is a detailed analysis about the sailors' desire for oil and how the oil serves as means of powering the lamp. The lamp is what provides light for the sailors aboard the ship. I find it ironic how an act as cruel as whaling provides light which symbolizes all good things like warmth, goodness and purity.
In chapter 78, there was an accident involving Tashtego. I think it might me foreshadowing that there is more of these accidents to come in the future. Possibly something worse than Tashtego falling into the whale's head. @Sammy Ye, I agree with you that the whole thing seems rather unrealistic. Tashtego was in the whale's head for so long and it wasn't like water was in the whale's head. The whale's head have oil with the viscosity of molasses and if Tashtego was inside it for so long, he should have suffocated a long time ago instead the whale's head fall into the ocean and somehow Queequeg manages to pull Tashtego out and miraculously, Tashtego survived all of that.
In chapter 78, there was an accident involving Tashtego. I think it might me foreshadowing that there is more of these accidents to come in the future. Possibly something worse than Tashtego falling into the whale's head. @Sammy Ye, I agree with you that the whole thing seems rather unrealistic. Tashtego was in the whale's head for so long and it wasn't like water was in the whale's head. The whale's head have oil with the viscosity of molasses and if Tashtego was inside it for so long, he should have suffocated a long time ago instead the whale's head fall into the ocean and somehow Queequeg manages to pull Tashtego out and miraculously, Tashtego survived all of that.
Reading on Chapter 87, when the crew travels into the islands where Ishmael believes contains the riches(whales), they were aware that it would be extremely dangerous because of common Malay pirates in that area that attack ships, but what happens to the pirates when they(Ahab and the whole crew) sight the whales. Are the pirates completely disregarded? The chapter goes about talking of how the ship sighted a chain of whales and went about hunting them down, but where are the pirates??? Shouldn't they be interfering them at some point especially since the chapter says a pirate ship was stalking them?
I find Chapter 91 to be quite interesting. When Stubb saw that a Ship was carrying two dead whales, one of which he believed he killed because he saw a pole around the whale's tale, he was aggravated by that, and wanted some sort of payback. Stubb was able to convince the captain to throwout the carcasses by telling them that they won't get any oil from the two diseased-whales. What he really wanted to do, was get ambergris from the whale, and he was successful in doingso. I liked this chapter a lot in how it showed how clever of a guy Stubb is, being able to trick others alone. I just wanted to know why didn't the Rose-Bud crew think of getting ambergris then if Stubb told them the whales were diseased and diseased whales usually carry ambergris(as said in chapter 92).
In the reading of chapter 74, I thought it was funny how Ishmael wonders at the whale's small eyes which are placed on opposite sides of its head. He believes that the whale may have an odd visual perspective. Not only does he find that strange, but he finds the whale's pinhole surprisingly small compared to the colossal size of the whale itself. - Selena Huang Period 7
In chapter 78, Tashtego accidentally falls into the case which was at least 20 feet deep. The great mass falls into the ocean in which Tashtego may drown. The fact that Queequeg manages to dive in and miraculously cut into the slowly sinking head him like delivering a baby shows how experienced Queequeg was in all sorts of fields.
In the reading of chapter 94 "A squeeze of hand", I felt that it was gruesome the way they had to squeeze the spermaceti taken from the whale's head in order to prevent it from clumping. The sailors must feel and do all sorts of unpleasant tasks to the inside of the whale's body in order to finally achieve what they want. Ishmael also describes the unpleasant "blubber-room" which was a dark room where men often lose body parts due to the sharp tools used.
In chapter 78, Tashtego accidentally falls into the case which was at least 20 feet deep. The great mass falls into the ocean in which Tashtego may drown. The fact that Queequeg manages to dive in and miraculously cut into the slowly sinking head him like delivering a baby shows how experienced Queequeg was in all sorts of fields.
In the reading of chapter 94 "A squeeze of hand", I felt that it was gruesome the way they had to squeeze the spermaceti taken from the whale's head in order to prevent it from clumping. The sailors must feel and do all sorts of unpleasant tasks to the inside of the whale's body in order to finally achieve what they want. Ishmael also describes the unpleasant "blubber-room" which was a dark room where men often lose body parts due to the sharp tools used.
I like the idea of monkey rope. I like this idea because it makes Ishmael try to save Queequeg because if anything happens to Queequeg it also happenes to Ishmael. Like when Queequeg fell in between the whale and ship Ishmael helped him to saftey.
I agree with @ Mary Qui it is kinda freaky how they cut the whales head and hung it on the ship I don't like the idea of them hanging the whales head and Ahab talkjing to the whales head.
Stubb is nasty for eating the whale after and he treats Fleece really badly. It wasn't nice to complain about the "steak" as he did. After all, he is limping, etc and the ship isn't exactly the best kitchen for a cook to work with. Fleece only tries to be obedient.
and @Cynthia Elle I also feel bad that they must lift it on the ship, though I liked the way Melvin described it. Then again, it had to get done anyway and that is what they signed up for.
i think that stubbs might have eaten the whale meat to try and conform in some strange way. its possible if he thought he could match ahabs obbsessive desires he would be liked more by the captain
@Matisse Neal I think Melville is also trying to show the ferocity of the whaling industry as a whole, if you take Ahab's obsessiveness and now Stubb's unusual desire for whale meat it paints a picture that the people involved in whaling are slightly off.
Melville does a really good job with gradually showing you how mentally far out Ahab is, like in chapter 70 when he talks to the head of the dead whale and asks about the things its seen.
In chapter 100, Ahab meets the captain of the ship Samuel Enderby. The captain, like Ahab, has lost a limb due to an incident with Moby Dick, but it wasn't entirely the whale fault because he chose to amputate his arm after it got infected. When Ahab found out, he seems rather excited and happy that there was someone out there that has experienced the same thing as him. I think the part where they shook their ivory limbs was nice. It shows that Ahab isn't as crude and unfriendly as he is made out to be. The thing different about the captain and Ahab is that the captain had learned his lesson and came to realize that as glorious as it might be capturing Moby Dick, the risk isn't worth it. Ahab clearly doesn't care and doesn't take the captain's advice but instead chose to go in the direction the captain had pointed to where he had last seen Moby Dick. The captain think its crazy that Ahab is going after the whale. Elijah had also warned about the danger of going after Moby Dick. I think its crazy Ahab had decided to do that. It was rather unexpected. I would have expected him to listen to the captain's advice since he had been through a similar situation but no, I was wrong and Ahab goes after the whale.
I think in Chapter 73 Melville is hinting at Fedallah's possible mental unstability because Ishamel says that Fedallah's and Ahab's shadows blend into one, as if they are the same person. Kimberly
@Luis Carrasco Chapter 78 really gives the readers the magnitude of a whale. Even the whale of the head can literally cover a full size man. And yes I believe Melville is telling us whaling is a very dangerous job.
We all know that this book is trying to tell us the civilized can be with the uncivilized. However, I still do not see much comparison or hints from Melville. And it seems the story had shifted entirely to Ahab rather than Ishmael as the true protagonist.
I feel as if after Stubb killed the whale he sort of became more like Ahab. Though Stubb does not have a monomania like Ahab, he seems to be a little obsessed. Killing the whale may have made him feel good or better about himself. Like Ahab, an experience with a whale has changed his life in some way.
I found it to be a smart move on Stubbs part to have the other ship in chapter 91 to release the whales, but when I think about it that really isn't right. Though Stubb and the crew may benefit financially from the money made by the whales they can pick up from the other ship they could have taken away the other ships only two finds. I'm sure the member of the Pequod wouldn't appreciate that if another ship took away Moby Dick if they had caught him.
@Kelly Xue I also agree that hanging the whale's head on the ship and eating the whale after murdering it is disturbing. I think to them it is a sign of achievement that they have finally caught the whale.
@Charlie Monnone, I agree that Melville is slowly showing how mental Ahab is. When every left the deck, he stabbed the back of the whales head so that he could hold it close and stare at it. Then he goes on to telling the whale secrets about what he has seen in the ocean."
@Kelly Xue, I also agree with you guys. In Chapter 100, when Ahab had met Captain Boomer from the Samuel Enderby, Boomer made it clear that it would be a bad idea to look for Moby Dick, especially since he was the reason his arm was amputated and because Ahab's leg was missing. However, Ahab still chooses not to leave Moby Dick alone, and his monomania had taken complete control over his behavior. He had left the Samuel Enderby with everybody questioning his sanity, so at this point it's clear that he had lost his way and that all he cares for is finding the whale.
@Selena Huang I agree that it is very unpleasant that the crew has to squeeze the spermaceti to prevent it from turning into lumps. I find it very disgusting when Ishamel described the experience with such enthusiasm. It was as if he was obsessed with this task.
I agree with @ Jasmin Kim chapter 100 does show how obsessed Ahab is about capturing Moby Dick because even after losing his leg and the story that the other captain told him he still wants to find Moby Dick to get revenge knowing that he is a very dangerous whale. I feel that Ahab is not going to give up on Moby Dick until one of them is dead.
Pip describes the doubloon well in chapter 99, that it holds the ship together. It seems that everyone on the ship has their interpretation of what it means, and they hold onto that idea as it is their motivation for chasing Moby Dick.
No matter what story Ahab hears, he is still willing to kill Moby Dick. I think Melville is hinting that someone will die once Ahab captures the whale.
@ Sammi Chung I agree with you that the part where Stubb eats the whale is quite disturbing. I think the dangers of whaling and the fact that the crew members who already know of it and continue to do it show how they or just humans in general are risk takers. I also think when you said how the sea is just as dangerous as the crew it shows how humans are just as capable as nature is of causing harm.
I think the Jeroboam's story that is told in chapter 71 foreshadows what might happen to Ahab if he continues to search for Moby Dick in hopes of killing him. On the Jeroboam, a man named Macey became obsessed with hunting Moby Dick. When the ship encountered him, only Macey was killed and the rest of the crew was untouched. Since Ahab is also obsessed with killing Moby Dick, this story could foreshadow what may happen to him.
@Charlie & @Kimberly, I think the doubloon is a perfect way to inspire and motivate the crew because of its open-endedness. Each crew members sees what he wants to see in the doubloon. -Milo S.
In chapter 72, the monkey-rope shows how close Queequeg and Ishmael have gotten. If Queequeg falls into the water, Ishmael will be dragged into the water to die as well. Even though all the crew members are men, they share a strong bond. They have to trust each other and work together every day, which makes their connection even stronger.
I think Ahab's strong will to killing Moby Dick will lead to something catastrophic that will occur in the future. Knowing that he will get Moby Dick even if he dies tells the reader that he is extremely stubborn and obsessed.
In Chapter 94, it talks about how the spermaceti was taken out from the whale's head and it cools into lumps so the sailors and Ismael himself has to squeeze back to liquid form. It sounds tiring and gross because they have to squeeze the sperm all morning long. He described it and how he had a thing for "sweet and unctuous” sperm. He then talks about the blubber room and how it's dangerous because the blubber men usually lose their toes due to the sharp spades used to cut the blubber.
@Rosanne, agree the Queequeg and Ishmael have gotten close, but i think there is also a bond among the entire ship. Ishmael mentions it in Chapter 94 how he is affectionate with the rest of the crew. -Milo S.
I believe that Stubb is a vicious man. In Chapter 64, most of the crew members wouldn't eat whale for dinner, but Stubb isn't like them. Stubb enjoyed the whale that he had caught. He ate steak and took pride in what he had accomplished by eating the whale. I think it was wrong for chopping the whales head and hanging it on the ship.
@ Daniaal Chaudhry I agree with you that killing the whale and hanging its head on the ship is very cruel because whale should not be treated that way. I think that to Stubb every part of the whale is sentimental to him. But it was just wrong and was very disturbing that he hanged the whale head on the ship.
@David Pun I agree, every part of the whale is sentimental to to Stubb. He took it too far and hung the corpse of the whale like that, he could have handled it another way.
In Chapter 94, Ishmael does not seem to be faze by the fact that the job he is doing is very abnormal. I cannot imagine how Ishmael and other men deal with the jobs they have on the ship for a long period of time. It is also a dangerous job because they can lose a toe on the job.
it is quiet shocking how Stubb reacted after the line was when Pip leaped out the boat. One would have expected him to be more sympathetic but rather he cursed him adding that the whale would sell thirty times what Pip would sell in Alabama.
I find it ungrateful on the side of Flask and Stubb for thinking Fedallah to be "the devil in disguise." Instead of appreciating Fedallah's knowledge of balancing since it will prevent the ship from turning over although as Ishmeal pointed out was unneccessary, they rather call him the devil adding that he has a tail which he hides. This again brings up the idea of barbarism. With the idea being new to them, they called Fedallah "the devil"
I agree and also think they are making all of the accusations of Felldah because they are prejudice against him because he isn't white and wears a turbin.
While reading I realized that the fate Ahab has given himself is so much worse than the one from the one in the Bible story. He is completely consumed with catching Moby Dick. He has made his mind a prison he in my opinion he is a man that has nothing great to love for that is why he is willing to risk everything.
In chapter 94 Ishmael describes the blubber room to the reader. In this room, the workers in there can lose some toes. This shows that even when the men aren't chasing whales, it is still dangerous. Just like when tashtego fell into the whale's head and had to be rescued by queequeg. Death is all around them. The people on board these whaling ships can die from from chasing a whale to to falling into its head from sheer clumsiness.
@timothy wong I think everybody on the Pequod is starting to become obsessed with the hunting of the whales and the preparing of the whale after it is killed.
@nyamehadjoa I also thought that stubb could be a bit more understanding when Pip jumps off the boat. But I guess he got so angry because they lost the whale due to Pip. I felt bad for pip when he was left in the sea after he jumped out again. But I understood why Stubb would do this. If you're going on a whaling voyage, then you should probably know what dangers lie ahead and it is important for Pip to stop being afraid.
The gold dubloon is probably the next biggest symbol after moby dick. Everyone has their own interpretation of the dubloon just like how everyone has their reasons for joining ahabs search for moby dick if any at all.
@Rosanne @Milo I agree. The bond between Ishamel and Queequeg has definitely grown since they first met. The fact that they are working together, shows that there is some sort of trust between them.
In chapter 93 it shows that all the crew members have no feelings towards anything else besides the catching whales. When Pip falls into the water all the sailors curse at Pip's foolishness. Stubb tells Pip that a whale is worth more than him if they were sold as slaves.
Ahab is ridiculously obsessed with the whale, even after finding another whaling ship who came across Moby-dick and was seriously harmed he doesn't understand the danger. The captain has lost an arm and learned his lesson, no longer will he try to attack the whale again even after he spotted him a second time.
@Nicole Yu I agree with you about how chapter 94 is a little gross. However, i think that Melville is explaining how the whale isn't just something to be killed. He does this by using very descriptive language to show that the sailors enjoy taking the Whale apart, meaning that they find joy in dehumanizing the whale. I think that this is Melville's way of showing us further how obsessed the entire crew has become. It also shows their experience on whaling expeditions.
@victoria hernandez I agree with you that no matter what story Ahab hears, he is still after Moby-Dick. Melville made Moby Dick obsessed with the whale.
@Victoria Hernandez I think it's really interesting that you point out the other ship. It's almost like the author is trying to show us as readers what could happen, and giving Ahab a test to see how far off the deep end he's gone. He is completely insane at this point, there's nothing in the world could stop him from going after Moby Dick, even a clear warning from another ship.
@chrystalwong i agree with you chrystal theres something very strange about the whole situation with the preaching. Stubb is a very interesting character.
@michellewong I agree with you with that it is a waste after getting what they want from the whale they just get rid of it. But to them there animals and there use is to benefit them and no one else.
@Victoria i agree, he's obsession is just like Chillingworth, he doesnt mind giving up phis life for it because there is nothing left for him. Personally i think he will die trying to kill Moby dick or end up more helpless than before.
Its also interesting how intricate whaling is with the process of getting the oil along with killing them. It seems to be an incredible skill from the way Melville has been describing it.
I completely agree with your characterization of Stubb, that he is just a good sailor who accomplished his task. But he didn't lite his pipe purposely as he set out to kill the whale. It wasn't his way of showing off that the task was easy that he could smoke as he does it. He lite his pipe because the whale had headed underwater for a while. I believe that he just did it as a pure pastime- thinking that if the whale would be going down for some time he could finish his smoke.It was only a coincidence that he wasn't done when he had to kill the whale. His pipe then smoked out at the same time as the whale was killed that shows his skill and serving as a symbol, and yea he deserves props for that.
I think it's horrible how they kill so many whales just for people's lamps to work. Especially the crew they have so many different lamps but this is because they are able to receive the oil for free. It's bad that so many whales have to be harmed for the benefit of others.i guess that's just how life is sometime bad things must happen for good to occur.
@Victoria I agree with you one hundred percent. Ahab is so obsessed with getting revenge on this whale that he'll stop at nothing to do so. It seems as though that's all he's living to do.
I thought it was horrible the way they treated Pip. The crew cared more about the whale than Pip's life. Stubb is such a heartless man. First, he enjoys the whale while everyone else doesn't eat it, and then he leaves Pip in the ocean to teach him a lesson. He even goes crazy because of this.
I do not understand the purpose of the monkey-rope to me it seems more deadly then helpful. Since it it attached to both Queequeg's and Ishmael's belts if one was to fall then the other will fall and die as well. Wouldn't it be more useful to not tie it to both men therefore if one were to fall at least only one would die not two. This to me just seems like a foolish thing to do since they need all the men they can get on their voyage.
@Teresa Li, Ahab continues to persist to pursue Moby Dick despite all the bad omens because he feels like when he lost his leg, he lost a part of him also, physically(haha) and emotionally. Despite all the odds, bad omens, and dangers, he will not give up until he has wretched the heart of Moby Dick. He is very vindictive, hardheaded, and shows no remorse towards Moby Dick. He's going to put his life on the line to hunt this whale down whom he feels very strongly about.
I think that the interpretation that every man had of the coin is another reinforcement of how different every man is on this ship. In the beginning of the book when we were introduced to the extremely diverse group of the crew on ship, it was mainly done by describing their background and looks. With these men looking at this coin, and reflecting upon it with each of their own interpretation gives us an insight of the type of people they really are, and what's going on in their heads. We are getting to know everyone on the ship really well now that we get to see what they see of themselves.
From what I understood is since Ishmael is Queequeg's bowsman, meaning they are partners in their work, they have to look out for one another. The monkey rope is just another name for Queequeg's harness. The reason why Ishmael is attached to it with Queequeg is because he is basically a support system for Queequeg while he is finishing his task on the whale. Queequeg is standing on top of the dead whale that's half underwater. It's extremely unsafe and he can easily fall over or get hurt, so Ishmael is there as a reinforcement of protection for him. Also I would like to add that this all ties into with the original themes of the men being so different, yet the same. Example being when they were so close sleeping in the same bed, and now they are so close and as one.
In chapters 74-76, Ishmael keenly observes two whale carcasses side by side, and he seems to admire the sperm whale. This shows a very curious and observative side of Ishmael.
I was pleasantly surprised at how great the book was. I was disturbed when Stubb eats a part of the whale but its that type of act that makes the book a bit more interesting. I really enjoyed the mystery feel and freakiness of the story especially when a the bloody head is hung as a trophy. That part shows just how great the feeling was when capturing the whale and that it was needed to be showed off. -Yassine Kaouadji
When Queequeg rescues Tashtego from the whale, it brings up the story that was told in the beginning of the book with Jonna and the whale. Queequeg plays a role of savior in this scene that is similar to god. I feel this foreshadows all the good he will do later in the book
179 comments:
I think Stubb is obsessed with the whale he killed because in Chapter 64 he eats a little of the piece of it and also in chapter 70 he volunteer to behead the corpse. I also felt bad for Fleece because Stubb kept on yelling at him for overcooking the whale and also messing around with him.
I feel bad for the crew and Ishmael after they kill the whale they have to lift it on the ship. It explains how it feels like they are getting nowhere.
I think it's true that stubb is obsessed with the whale he killed but isn't that kind of the same with Ahab's situation? At some point a sailor will be obsessed with a whale. Their personality will change because of what they experienced or what they are going through because of the whale
It is freaky how the crew members hanged a bloody head of a whale by their ship. Ahab's monomania is shown when he was speaking to the head of the whale. He wanted to know the secrets of the ocean.
I found the part where Stubb ate the whale meat to be disgusting. The process of killing the whale is already inhumane and on top of that the crew killed the sharks that made an attempt to devour the whale. Queequeg nearly lost his hand by the teeth of one of the dead sharks. This showed how dangerous the sea can be even though the crew itself is dangerous.
-Sammi Chung
After finally catching the whale, it's pretty disturbing that Stubb ate a piece of the whale. It's also disturbing that they hung the whales head on the ship as some sort of representation as a trophy
It is interesting how Stubb is telling Fleece to tell the sharks to quiet down and how he relates it to preaching and converting. I assume he is calling the sharks the sinners as they are eating the whale meat but the same goes for Stubb too since he's enjoying his steak. -Chrystal Wong
@ Timothy Wong I also agree with you about Stubb's treatment of Fleece. He seems to be getting really cocky about the fact that he has caught a whale. It is possible that what Fleece says that he hopes a whale would eat Stubb instead of the other way around could foreshadow something dangerous is going to happen to Stubb.
@Kelly Xue and @ Sammi Chung I agree that hanging the whale's head on the ship and eating the whale after murdering it (in a horrible fashion, too) is disturbing. But I think if we were to be in the crew's place, we might feel differently. I think for them it's a sense of achievement for them to go up against a whale and survive. As for Stubb eating the whale steak, Ishmael says that some Nantucketers like to eat that specific part of the Sperm Whale, and Melville says the tongue of the Right Whale used to be a delicacy in France. However, Stubb seriously needs to get off his high horse.
@Timothy Wong and @Cynthia Elle I agree with what Cynthia and Timothy said. But on chapter 65, Ishmael goes and explains how in some way everyone is a cannibal. He tries to tell us that what they do on the boat and with the whales is not as bad as compared to the " civilized and Enlightened gourmand" who catch geese for their foie gras.
@Mary Qiu I agree that it was unpleasant to learn that the crew of the Pequod actually hung a bloody whale's head in the ship. However, like @Jennifer L said, it must have been a great accomplishment for the crew to kill this enormous Leviathan and survive! Also, I believe that Ahab has become very deranged for speaking to the head of the captured whale. This definitely shows that his monomania to capture Moby Dick has only grown larger.
@Timothy Wong and @Chrystal Wong I also feel bad for how Stubb treated Fleece. Stubb woke him up from his sleep to complain about the whale-steak being overdone. Plus he told him that he should be born over again because he doesn't know how to cook whale-steak yet. I feel that since he has killed this whale he has too much pride.
@Kelly Xue I also think it was pretty disgusting how Stubb had a piece of the whale for supper after killing it in such a horrendous manner. I understand that whale hunting was a way for someone to earn some money but actually eating the whale seems kind of sick. I also thought that Stubb was acting very superior with Fleece. The poor guy probably just wanted to back to sleep rather than have Stubb tell him to preach to a bunch of sharks.
-Farhana Kabir
@Chrystal Wong
I agree with what you said and Fleece telling the sharks to be civilized is quiet ironic also since if thought about, the salvages are the people aboard the Peqoud. They are the foreigners to the ocean and as such do not contemplate the rules and laws of the sea of which they must abide by just like people on land view the ocean as wild and others with different way of lives as theirs also as uncivilized.
Adjoa Nyameh
Why does the the cook, Fleece,in chapter 64 tell the sharks to be more civilized about eating the meat of the wheal? They are animals and therefore can not understand what he is saying to them. It does not make sense as to why he would try to talk to the sharks knowing they are animals. Even if they understood him, why would they listen to him and give up their food? It seems to me that Fleece's attempt to talk to the sharks was a waist.
I would have thought that getting the oil after killing the whale would be easy, or at least less dangerous, but every part of whaling is dangerous! Queequeg is in a dangerous position and half in the water. I'm glad that he and Ishmael are tied together, though. Sure, if Queequeg goes down, Ishmael goes down, but in this way, the person on board (in this case, Ishmael) will take his job more seriously because he can't just cut the rope. Poor Queequeg is surrounded by sharks, and even though Tashtego and Daggoo try to kill the sharks, it's dangerous for him in case they miss. Then there's Tashtego almost dying after slipping. Lastly, Queequeg might be a "savage" but he is very, very noble. He's saved a person earlier in the book and Tashtego in chapter 78.
@Alina Bita I think Fleece only preaches to the sharks because Stubb is of a higher rank than him and told him to. He has to entertain Stubb's whims in a way.
@Jennifer L. I do understand that Stubb is of a higher rank and that Fleece has to obey his command however I do not understand why Stubb would even tell Fleece to speak to the sharks. They are animal and therefore no matter who talks to them they will not understand or listen. Therefore Stubb's request is useless and has no purpose to it.
@Alina Bita I agree with you that Stubb's request really was useless, but I think Melville might be trying to make a point. Trying to replace the savage nature of the sharks, or anything for that matter, with civilized manners isn't going to happen. The laws of nature, of survival, is something that cannot be touched or changed. The ways of one won't necessarily be the same for another.
-Stephanie Leung
@Jennifer L. and @Sammi Chung, I agree that it is inhumane for them to eat the whale but as Jennifer L. said it is an achievement. But we also have to keep in mind that we are from different time period, their mindset is completely different from ours. What we deem gross and inhumane is perfectly normal to them so we can't really judge Stubb for being inhumane just because he ate a piece of his prize (the whale).
- Cindy Lam
theres bad omens warning ahab to not hunt the moby dick. macey from the jeroboam died trying to hunt moby dick and gabriel keeps warning everyone.
In chapter 69 I find it sad how once they get what they needed from the whale they just end up throwing it overboard again. They should really respect the whale since they are getting their resources from it.
@Michelle Wong I agree with you on the way the crew treated the whale with disrespect, especially after they stripped the whale of the resources it provided for them. However, in Chapter 65, Ishmael does question the nature of killing a whale and eating its meat, mentioning that slaughtering a whale might seem like committing a murderous act, but slaughtering an ox probably did when it first happened as well. So to them, it’s more like an act of nature rather than a brutal and inhuman act.
Personally, I found it a bit strange in Chapter 94 that Ishmael enjoyed "squeezing" the sperm. I understand that it was a duty to keep the sperm from turning back into a solid, but Ishmael was describing it with such enthusiasm that it seemed as though he were obsessed.
@Michelle Wong and @ Michelle S
I disagree with your comment that they the crew disrespected the whale, it is part of nature and its survival of the fittest. The crews job is to get the whale, kill it and take all its resources. They can't take the whale with them for many reasons such as it would slow them down, it would probably rot and stink, no one would buy or want whats left. Ishmael himself tells us that we see this as such a murderous act, but slaughtering an ox probably had the same effect in the beginning. There are certain things that are done in order to help the human population survive such as killing animals. An example of what they did would be with paint, when you buy a can and if you don't you use the entire can of paint you have to throw it out, even if you try to save it the paint will dry up in a few months and it will be useless.
-Luis Carrasco
@Timothy Wong I personally believe his desire to eat a "whale steak" was just a separate case of hunger. I do acquiesce that he was, in fact, obsessed with the whale. It seemed as though Captain Ahab was getting to him. - Alec Gurevich
@Luis Carrasco I agree with you. It is a necessity for the crew to kill the whale. They need to kill the whale to survive. From killing the whale they are able to obtain money and oil.
I think Stub is taking the whole "killing a whale" too seriously. It's understandable that he's excited that he has finally killed a whale, but he shouldn't think so highly of himself because of that
@Sammi Chung I agree with you. I think Melville is trying to depict the awful occurrences and difficulties at sea as a prelude to the foreshadowed, and most-likely fatal, encounter with the White Whale.
@Alina Bita
I agree with what @Jennifer L said cause there is a social structure, or should I say hierarchy in the ship. Since Fleece's position is much lower thank Stubs, and Stub is basically in charge cause he caught a whale, he must listen to anything Stub say even though it sounds like it doesn't make sense. I also have seen what others have posted and I, too, think that there is a deeper meaning to what Fleece is doing.
I think it is very interesting that Stubb ate part of the whale which he killed. It seems like he's becoming obsessive, which is translating into him appearing more barbaric like an animal. The idea of Stubb taking on a more barbaric, animal-like mindset can even be translated into him acting territorial. It's as if he is saying that the whale is his, all his, and he is showing that.
-Elizabeth Lewis period 7
In Chapter 78, the scene where Tashtego has fallen into the whales head was a scene that was full of excitement to me. I think that its amazing just to think that a human can fall inside such a large and powerful animals head. When one of the hooks teared off the skin i was filled with suspense and i was hoping for Daggoo to save him, but the whale fell into the water and Queequegg saved him from death by pulling him out from the bottom of the head. I think this shows how dangerous whaling is even after the whale is dead. This can also foreshadow how Ahab can have bad luck with Moby Dick and get caught inside of the whale.
-Luis Carrasco
I find it ironic that Fleece is telling the sharks to be civilized and yet he compares Stubb to a shark. I also believe that this is another example of Melville' civilized vs. uncivilized concept because Stubb (a white second mate) would be considered more civilized compared to Fleece (A black cook) but in actuality it is the other way around.
Kimberly Douglas Period 8
@ Elizabeth Lewis, I agree with you on the fact that maybe Stubb is becoming obsessive and i think that Ahab's revenge has made him change as we can see that he chews into the whale meat which is very tough. I think that the other members of the Pequod might take similar actions.
-Luis Carrasco
When Queepueg dives into the ocean saving Tashtego by using a sword and cutting a whole, it seems a bit too unrealistic because shouldn't the head have already brought down Tashtego, killing him by then? I think Melville should of had him killed, making the readers think its that more crazy. It is such a difficult task, but to me, I felt like its just too unrealistic how QUeepueg had that much time to save Tashtego in the oily big whale head in the oocean.
-Sammy Ye
@Sammi Chung @Kelly Xue I agree with you guys that the whole process of hunting the whale is absolutely inhumane and disturbing. It kind of shook me when I read that stubb actually ate part of the sperm whale. That's crazy how they'd be able to devour a whale although i can see that it's a Nantucker thing of eating part of the whale so it wouldnt be that strange of a thing looking at it from Stubb's point of view.
While reading chapter 94 I felt really grossed out. The crew "squeezed" the "sperm" that came out of the whale. Besides the sperm, Ishmael explains other things that come out such as white-horse, plum-pudding, which is certain parts of the whale's flesh adhering to the blubber, the slobgollion, which is an post, stringy affair found in the tubs of sperm after prolonged squeezing, gurry, which is a dark, glutinous substance scraped off the back of the whale, nippers, which is a strip of tendinous stuff cut from the tapering part of the tail. This describes how the members treat the whale and don't pay respect to it. They are ruthless and rough with the whale. Even though we know they kill whales, it just gives us, the readers, more insight about the relationship between the crew and whales.
@luis carrasco I agree with you. The crew didnt disrespect the whale. The crew had to kill the whale in order to complete their job. They need the resources that the whale provides. That is how they make a living. Even though it was inhumane, the job had to be done.
@ Nicole Yu. I agree with you because i think that everyone is becoming more savage-like even more so than Queequeg who is "suppose" to be the savage.
I think that it is very disgusting in chap 69 when they just release the carcass of the whale into the ocean.Vultures and sharks follows and eats it. The chap. shows how people can be very shallow when Ishmael states that people on ships mistaken the carcass, along with the vultures and sharks, as some sort of ghost and avoids it. Future whalers would avoid that area because of a law of precedents.
@Alec Gurevich I agree with you about Chapter 94. I was weirded out by the way Ishmael says he squeezed until he himself melted into it. He's so overwhelmed with this task that he even squeezes his coworker's hand mistaking it for the globules.
@Jennifer L
I strongly agree with you. I never thought that every part of the whaling process would be extremely dangerous. Queepeg is indeed in an extremely dangerous position where his life can be at risk whiling harpooning the whale. Although he and Ismael are tied together, if one goes down so will the other so they have to work together during that process.
-Kitty W.
It’s about time they finally catch a whale, but how they treat the whale after they capture it was disgusting. It’s inhuman and should be banned. Then again, it’s their job to do so and you can’t criticize someone for doing their job. The idea of how they slice the whale, stab the hook in it’s head, cut it up, and everything else... it’s so realistic that it’s scary. Can you imagine if it happens to us and not a whale?
@sammi chung
i agree with the fact that eating the whale's meat is disgusting and the whole process of killing and cutting up the whale is terrible.
@michelle
they really should've dispose of the whale better and no just throw it back into the ocean.
In chapter 69, I found the description pertaining to the whale's so called 'funeral' to be sordid. It shows us how the mighty whale, feared even in life is a vehement foe after death. The ghost that remains lays fears into all its foes, and I found this to be a great representation on the vast power of a whale which Melville so clearly evinces throughout this book.
In chapter 69, I found the description pertaining to the whale's so called 'funeral' to be sordid. It shows us how the mighty whale, feared even in life is a vehement foe after death. The ghost that remains lays fears into all its foes, and I found this to be a great representation on the vast power of a whale which Melville so clearly evinces throughout this book.
-Onur Ayaz
@Jasmin Kim I also find it interesting that Melville names many of the characters in the book after those in the Bible, and I find that the story explained in Chapter 71 is yet another clue into the fate of Ahab and his hunt for Moby Dick. From all of the past stories and information given about Moby Dick, it seems as though Ahab's encounter with Moby Dick won't end up with very much vengeance since any one who tries to bring him down, fail.
@Jacki Li
Yes it is horribly gruesome and morbid the way they treat the whale but it's something that has to be done. They are the men who are willing to do this deed, no matter how vile it is. These are men who do this as a living. If we were to apply how they cut the whale up into different context though, it'd be inhumane either way.
-Onur Ayaz
@jackie li
I strongly concur how treating the whale after they captured it was disgusting. Ishmael believes capturing the whale is a "noble dish". One must eat it by the light of a lamp that burns the whale's oil. Although it may be inhuman to people now, it had been a necessity to people back then.
- Selena Huang Pd 7
@Sammi Chung
I agree with you. The sea can be a dangerous setting, especially if one is not prepared for it. The shark's were only doing what they could do for food though. The crew is in this with only each other, trying to survive.
-Onur Ayaz
@Onur Ayaz
Not only was it a representation of how great the whale is, it's also a representation of how powerful god is.
@Jasmin Kim I strongly agree with you. Melville's choice of names is very well-thought out. I personally feel Gabriel is more crazy than a prophet, but I do feel he is correct in saying that Moby Dick should not be hunted. Also, I feel that Gabriel was foretelling the future when he tells Ahab that he (Ahab) is going to die and meet Macey, the dead mate.
@ Sammy Ye Meville , as we all know is one of the best writer. We can all acknowledge the fact that killing the whale scene was very descriptive and realistic. But I agree with you that the fact that Queequeg had that much time to save Tashtego was unrealistic. It seems like every part of the whale is important that even the whale's head holds a good amount of value.
@Selena Huang I completely agree with you. I think it's just so ironic how Stubb eats the whale by the light by a lamp fueled by whale oil, how people pick their teeth with a goose feather after eating a goose, and so on. It's like a double slap in the face for the animals, except much, much worse.
What stood out to me the most in the reading so far is when they talk about the sharks fighting for the whale meat and then they say that if you turned it around, human fight for things in the same savage way, we are always to ready to jump at the first opportunity we see to get ahead, the sad truth.
Nonso <----
@Chrystal Wong I think Stubb's feelings of superiority also stems from the fact that Fleece is African-American and the fact that he orders Fleece to preach to the sharks.
I agree with @Jenny, even though Stubb and the crew had finally killed a whale, Stubb did not have to eat apart of the whale. That is really unnecessary because he had already killed it. Eating the apart whale as celebration is over the top. Stubb needs to calm down because his action showed disrespect.
I think it's interesting how Melville compares the sharks that are along the Pequod to the sharks that swam along slave ships. I think it comments on the nature of the whaling business as a cruel one and on the future of the Pequod.
-Milo S.
@Jackie Li
Although it may seem disgusting and disrespectful to us, I think treating a whale in this gruesome manner was typical among whale hunters back then.
I also think that Stubb's obsession with his kill can be justified. He is simply proud of killing a whale. He ate it because he was excited and wanted to taste his achievement.
@Timothy Wong and @Chrystal Wong I also feel bad for how Stubb treated Fleece. Stubb woke him up from his sleep to complain about the whale-steak being overdone. Plus he told him that he should be born over again because he doesn't know how to cook whale-steak yet. I feel that since he has killed this whale he has too much pride.
-Kareena L.
I can't believe they killed the whale in such a horrible manner and peel the blubber off. Ahab is really obsessed with the whale because he hangs it's head on the ship and begins to talk to it as if it's an actual person.
Question: Do all the whales become spirits? After a whale is killed in that part of the ocean, does it really make the other animals angry and more protective of each other?
I find it interesting that when Stubb goes out to kill the whale, he lights a pipe. No matter how gruesome or inappropriate the task may be, Stubb remains calm while nonchalantly smoking a pipe. When he finally gets close enough to kill the whale, he enjoys every second of it. I do not think this means that he is sadistic or inhumane, but simply a regular sailor that accomplished one of the most perilous tasks out there. Many people would be very proud of themselves for killing something as large and scary as an enormous sperm whale. You have to give him props for doing what he did.
I find it interesting how most whale hunters except the Stubb and the Equimauz don't eat the whale. Usually hunters that hunt for species cook and eat the species afterwards. I think Melville is trying to say that the whale hunters get tired of the whales after hunting them down causing them to loose appetite for the whale.
Ama Boadu Period 8
What biblical reference does Gabriel, a sailor aboard the Jeroboam play pertaining to his predictions about his prophesies that Moby Dick is the incarnation of the Shaker god and that any attempts to harm him will result in disaster?
@Timothy Wong , I totally agree with you, Stubb took so much pride in his killing and felt superior in a sense. I did find chapter 64 hilarious because Stubb certainly made a fool out of Fleece and told him he should be born again so maybe he would make it correct in the next life, haha. But I don't get the part when Fleece told the sharks that each of them has the same right to feed off the whale carcass as the others because afterall it doesn't belong to them but to someone else. To whom is Fleece referring to when he said "someone else"? To the crewmembers/townspeople, the forces of nature, or the wilderness of the sea...etc?
The stories Ahab is hearing about past encounters with Moby Dick is probably making him more eager to find him so he could be the first one who survives the encounter.
-Kareena L.
In chapter 65, Ishmael compares the murder of a whale to an ox because at first it might seem murderous and brutal but then it becomes normal since it is natural for us to eat meat. I think Melville is trying to say that humans are naturally born with some kind of murderous intent.
@Jackie Li
I do agree that it is their job to kill the whales so it's not really their fault that they have to do this gruesome task. There is no pleasant way of dismembering an animal's body. And maybe throwing the carcass into the water wasn't the kindest thing to do, but they couldn't have kept it on board either. Besides the putrid smell and vermin that would come with it, the sharks would continue to swarm around the ship. Everyone knows how much Stubb hates sharks.
I agree with @Jackie Li, the capturing of the whales and the killings are so violent yet the men on the ship are suppose to uphold the values of a" Christian society." it seems like everything is so ironic...
- Chelsea Green Pd. 3
@Jennifer L. I completely agree with you about Gabriel being insane and I find it interesting that everytime Gabriel's name is mentioned he interrupted Mayhew with the sea. I also agree that Gabriel was foretelling Ahab's death at the "hands", fins?, of Moby Dick. Gabriel may appear to be crazy, but he seems to know something.
@Jennifer L
Eating an animal and then using it to accomplish another task was ironic and (just like Melville put it), "adding insult to injury." But, why wouldn't you do so if you had the opportunity to? If you were on board the ship and needed light, wouldn't you make the whale’s oil into good use? And, why wouldn't you pick your teeth with a goose feather after eating a delectable goose? I mean, I guess they didn't have tooth picks back then. Lol
@Sammi Chung
I don’t think you should be appalled by the fact that Stubb ate the whale meat. I actually find it acceptable that he did so. The crew has been on this voyage for so long and what else do they have to eat? Also, the practice of eating whale meat still goes on today in countries including Iceland, Norway and Japan.
In chapter 91 on page 327 are they saying that they caught a diseased whale but are not going to let it go? Sorry I'm a little confused. I guess that doesn't bode well for the sailors on their continuing journey since they were asking about Moby Dick and received this information.
@ Alma Nesimi
I agree, I wasn't really taken aback by the eating of the whale meat either but it did, however, disgusted me in the way that they can slaughter living beings in such inhumane manners.
@Nicole Yu I agree with you. Stubb's and Ahab's situation is similar. Ahab became obsessed with Moby Dick. Moby Dick caused Ahab to lose one of his leg which caused Ahab to constantly think about seeking revenge on Moby Dick. I think Ahab is becoming crazy from seeking revenge on the white whale. Towards the end of chapter 100, Ahab raged towards the crew of Samuel Enderby and Moby Dick.
@Mary Qiu
In a way, I can somewhat sympathize Ahab for his history and experience, ofc it does not justify his revenge, but I can't really understand Stubb's enthusiasm in this "voyage".
@Chrystal Wong
When you read further into the chapter, Stubb finds something in the sick whale after the Frenchmen left. From the way he reacted, this substance might've been valuable back then.
In Chapter 92, Ishmael explains that the substance, ambergris, was used for perfumes.
@Holly Liang
I agree with you. I think Stubb is enthusiastic in the voyage because he's in it for the money. In Chapter 99, the coin engraved in gold on the ship, everyone shared their opinions about what this coin might mean. For example, Starbuck believes it is a religious sign. But Stubb sees this coin as money to be spent on things like cigars.
Wouldn't the interaction with Samuel Enderby ship be a sign for Ahab to stop hunting for Moby Dick? The captain of this ship lost an arm from the harpoon stuck to Moby Dick. They found Moby again but did not hunt it. This was a smart move. Yet, Ahab still continues to try and hunt Moby. If someone like the captain of the Samuel Enderby ship has gone through the same incident as Ahab, and has chosen not to hunt the white whale the second time, how come Ahab hasn't? I find it funny how Ahab continues to persist, despite all the bad omens.
@Teresa Li
Ahab is clearly obsess with Moby Dick. I agree that when the crew encounter Samuel Enderby it was supposed to be a sign telling Ahab to give up on Moby Dick. It showed a good comparison between a captain, Boomer, who is willing to let go, and Ahab, who is growing insane because of the whale. They both suffered and lost something that can never be replace, yet somehow Ahab only saw the pessimistic side and blamed God.
In chapter 93, it shows that not only the ocean is dangerous, but one's actions can lead to danger. Pip always jumps from the boat. The first time Stubb saved him by cutting the rope and they lost the whale. The second time he was left stranded in the middle of the sea.
Although very short, chapter 97 is a detailed analysis about the sailors' desire for oil and how the oil serves as means of powering the lamp. The lamp is what provides light for the sailors aboard the ship. I find it ironic how an act as cruel as whaling provides light which symbolizes all good things like warmth, goodness and purity.
In chapter 78, there was an accident involving Tashtego. I think it might me foreshadowing that there is more of these accidents to come in the future. Possibly something worse than Tashtego falling into the whale's head. @Sammy Ye, I agree with you that the whole thing seems rather unrealistic. Tashtego was in the whale's head for so long and it wasn't like water was in the whale's head. The whale's head have oil with the viscosity of molasses and if Tashtego was inside it for so long, he should have suffocated a long time ago instead the whale's head fall into the ocean and somehow Queequeg manages to pull Tashtego out and miraculously, Tashtego survived all of that.
In chapter 78, there was an accident involving Tashtego. I think it might me foreshadowing that there is more of these accidents to come in the future. Possibly something worse than Tashtego falling into the whale's head. @Sammy Ye, I agree with you that the whole thing seems rather unrealistic. Tashtego was in the whale's head for so long and it wasn't like water was in the whale's head. The whale's head have oil with the viscosity of molasses and if Tashtego was inside it for so long, he should have suffocated a long time ago instead the whale's head fall into the ocean and somehow Queequeg manages to pull Tashtego out and miraculously, Tashtego survived all of that.
- Cindy Lam
Reading on Chapter 87, when the crew travels into the islands where Ishmael believes contains the riches(whales), they were aware that it would be extremely dangerous because of common Malay pirates in that area that attack ships, but what happens to the pirates when they(Ahab and the whole crew) sight the whales. Are the pirates completely disregarded? The chapter goes about talking of how the ship sighted a chain of whales and went about hunting them down, but where are the pirates??? Shouldn't they be interfering them at some point especially since the chapter says a pirate ship was stalking them?
-Sammy Ye
I find Chapter 91 to be quite interesting. When Stubb saw that a Ship was carrying two dead whales, one of which he believed he killed because he saw a pole around the whale's tale, he was aggravated by that, and wanted some sort of payback. Stubb was able to convince the captain to throwout the carcasses by telling them that they won't get any oil from the two diseased-whales. What he really wanted to do, was get ambergris from the whale, and he was successful in doingso. I liked this chapter a lot in how it showed how clever of a guy Stubb is, being able to trick others alone. I just wanted to know why didn't the Rose-Bud crew think of getting ambergris then if Stubb told them the whales were diseased and diseased whales usually carry ambergris(as said in chapter 92).
In the reading of chapter 74, I thought it was funny how Ishmael wonders at the whale's small eyes which are placed on opposite sides of its head. He believes that the whale may have an odd visual perspective. Not only does he find that strange, but he finds the whale's pinhole surprisingly small compared to the colossal size of the whale itself.
- Selena Huang Period 7
In chapter 78, Tashtego accidentally falls into the case which was at least 20 feet deep. The great mass falls into the ocean in which Tashtego may drown. The fact that Queequeg manages to dive in and miraculously cut into the slowly sinking head him like delivering a baby shows how experienced Queequeg was in all sorts of fields.
In the reading of chapter 94 "A squeeze of hand", I felt that it was gruesome the way they had to squeeze the spermaceti taken from the whale's head in order to prevent it from clumping. The sailors must feel and do all sorts of unpleasant tasks to the inside of the whale's body in order to finally achieve what they want. Ishmael also describes the unpleasant "blubber-room" which was a dark room where men often lose body parts due to the sharp tools used.
In chapter 78, Tashtego accidentally falls into the case which was at least 20 feet deep. The great mass falls into the ocean in which Tashtego may drown. The fact that Queequeg manages to dive in and miraculously cut into the slowly sinking head him like delivering a baby shows how experienced Queequeg was in all sorts of fields.
-Selena Huang Pd 7
In the reading of chapter 94 "A squeeze of hand", I felt that it was gruesome the way they had to squeeze the spermaceti taken from the whale's head in order to prevent it from clumping. The sailors must feel and do all sorts of unpleasant tasks to the inside of the whale's body in order to finally achieve what they want. Ishmael also describes the unpleasant "blubber-room" which was a dark room where men often lose body parts due to the sharp tools used.
-Selena Huang Pd7
I like the idea of monkey rope. I like this idea because it makes Ishmael try to save Queequeg because if anything happens to Queequeg it also happenes to Ishmael. Like when Queequeg fell in between the whale and ship Ishmael helped him to saftey.
I agree with @ Mary Qui it is kinda freaky how they cut the whales head and hung it on the ship I don't like the idea of them hanging the whales head and Ahab talkjing to the whales head.
Stubb is nasty for eating the whale after and he treats Fleece really badly. It wasn't nice to complain about the "steak" as he did. After all, he is limping, etc and the ship isn't exactly the best kitchen for a cook to work with. Fleece only tries to be obedient.
and @Cynthia Elle I also feel bad that they must lift it on the ship, though I liked the way Melvin described it. Then again, it had to get done anyway and that is what they signed up for.
i think that stubbs might have eaten the whale meat to try and conform in some strange way. its possible if he thought he could match ahabs obbsessive desires he would be liked more by the captain
@Matisse Neal I think Melville is also trying to show the ferocity of the whaling industry as a whole, if you take Ahab's obsessiveness and now Stubb's unusual desire for whale meat it paints a picture that the people involved in whaling are slightly off.
Melville does a really good job with gradually showing you how mentally far out Ahab is, like in chapter 70 when he talks to the head of the dead whale and asks about the things its seen.
In chapter 100, Ahab meets the captain of the ship Samuel Enderby. The captain, like Ahab, has lost a limb due to an incident with Moby Dick, but it wasn't entirely the whale fault because he chose to amputate his arm after it got infected. When Ahab found out, he seems rather excited and happy that there was someone out there that has experienced the same thing as him. I think the part where they shook their ivory limbs was nice. It shows that Ahab isn't as crude and unfriendly as he is made out to be. The thing different about the captain and Ahab is that the captain had learned his lesson and came to realize that as glorious as it might be capturing Moby Dick, the risk isn't worth it. Ahab clearly doesn't care and doesn't take the captain's advice but instead chose to go in the direction the captain had pointed to where he had last seen Moby Dick. The captain think its crazy that Ahab is going after the whale. Elijah had also warned about the danger of going after Moby Dick. I think its crazy Ahab had decided to do that. It was rather unexpected. I would have expected him to listen to the captain's advice since he had been through a similar situation but no, I was wrong and Ahab goes after the whale.
- Cindy Lam
I think in Chapter 73 Melville is hinting at Fedallah's possible mental unstability because Ishamel says that Fedallah's and Ahab's shadows blend into one, as if they are the same person.
Kimberly
@Luis Carrasco
Chapter 78 really gives the readers the magnitude of a whale. Even the whale of the head can literally cover a full size man. And yes I believe Melville is telling us whaling is a very dangerous job.
We all know that this book is trying to tell us the civilized can be with the uncivilized. However, I still do not see much comparison or hints from Melville. And it seems the story had shifted entirely to Ahab rather than Ishmael as the true protagonist.
@Mary Qiu
I agree. It is almost as if with the whale head and the bones of a whale on the side of this ship, the ship represents a dead whale.
I feel as if after Stubb killed the whale he sort of became more like Ahab. Though Stubb does not have a monomania like Ahab, he seems to be a little obsessed. Killing the whale may have made him feel good or better about himself. Like Ahab, an experience with a whale has changed his life in some way.
I found it to be a smart move on Stubbs part to have the other ship in chapter 91 to release the whales, but when I think about it that really isn't right. Though Stubb and the crew may benefit financially from the money made by the whales they can pick up from the other ship they could have taken away the other ships only two finds. I'm sure the member of the Pequod wouldn't appreciate that if another ship took away Moby Dick if they had caught him.
@Kelly Xue I also agree that hanging the whale's head on the ship and eating the whale after murdering it is disturbing. I think to them it is a sign of achievement that they have finally caught the whale.
either Stubb is racist or an atheist doubting that fleece will get to heaven after he dies.
@Charlie Monnone, I agree that Melville is slowly showing how mental Ahab is. When every left the deck, he stabbed the back of the whales head so that he could hold it close and stare at it. Then he goes on to telling the whale secrets about what he has seen in the ocean."
@Kelly Xue, I also agree with you guys. In Chapter 100, when Ahab had met Captain Boomer from the Samuel Enderby, Boomer made it clear that it would be a bad idea to look for Moby Dick, especially since he was the reason his arm was amputated and because Ahab's leg was missing. However, Ahab still chooses not to leave Moby Dick alone, and his monomania had taken complete control over his behavior. He had left the Samuel Enderby with everybody questioning his sanity, so at this point it's clear that he had lost his way and that all he cares for is finding the whale.
@Selena Huang I agree that it is very unpleasant that the crew has to squeeze the spermaceti to prevent it from turning into lumps. I find it very disgusting when Ishamel described the experience with such enthusiasm. It was as if he was obsessed with this task.
I agree with @ Jasmin Kim chapter 100 does show how obsessed Ahab is about capturing Moby Dick because even after losing his leg and the story that the other captain told him he still wants to find Moby Dick to get revenge knowing that he is a very dangerous whale. I feel that Ahab is not going to give up on Moby Dick until one of them is dead.
I think Stubb's obsession is important as well as Ahab's. Both of their obsessions signify what type of people they are.
@Timothy Wong I agree that Stubb treats Fleece unfairly, just for a mistake.
Pip describes the doubloon well in chapter 99, that it holds the ship together. It seems that everyone on the ship has their interpretation of what it means, and they hold onto that idea as it is their motivation for chasing Moby Dick.
No matter what story Ahab hears, he is still willing to kill Moby Dick. I think Melville is hinting that someone will die once Ahab captures the whale.
@Charlie Monnone I agree with you because without the doubloon,most of the crew probably wouldn't even continue with chasing Moby-Dick.
@ Sammi Chung I agree with you that the part where Stubb eats the whale is quite disturbing. I think the dangers of whaling and the fact that the crew members who already know of it and continue to do it show how they or just humans in general are risk takers. I also think when you said how the sea is just as dangerous as the crew it shows how humans are just as capable as nature is of causing harm.
I think the Jeroboam's story that is told in chapter 71 foreshadows what might happen to Ahab if he continues to search for Moby Dick in hopes of killing him. On the Jeroboam, a man named Macey became obsessed with hunting Moby Dick. When the ship encountered him, only Macey was killed and the rest of the crew was untouched. Since Ahab is also obsessed with killing Moby Dick, this story could foreshadow what may happen to him.
@Charlie & @Kimberly, I think the doubloon is a perfect way to inspire and motivate the crew because of its open-endedness. Each crew members sees what he wants to see in the doubloon.
-Milo S.
In chapter 72, the monkey-rope shows how close Queequeg and Ishmael have gotten. If Queequeg falls into the water, Ishmael will be dragged into the water to die as well. Even though all the crew members are men, they share a strong bond. They have to trust each other and work together every day, which makes their connection even stronger.
I think Ahab's strong will to killing Moby Dick will lead to something catastrophic that will occur in the future. Knowing that he will get Moby Dick even if he dies tells the reader that he is extremely stubborn and obsessed.
-Kitty Wu
In Chapter 94, it talks about how the spermaceti was taken out from the whale's head and it cools into lumps so the sailors and Ismael himself has to squeeze back to liquid form. It sounds tiring and gross because they have to squeeze the sperm all morning long. He described it and how he had a thing for "sweet and unctuous” sperm. He then talks about the blubber room and how it's dangerous because the blubber men usually lose their toes due to the sharp spades used to cut the blubber.
-Kitty Wu
@Rosanne, agree the Queequeg and Ishmael have gotten close, but i think there is also a bond among the entire ship. Ishmael mentions it in Chapter 94 how he is affectionate with the rest of the crew.
-Milo S.
I believe that Stubb is a vicious man. In Chapter 64, most of the crew members wouldn't eat whale for dinner, but Stubb isn't like them. Stubb enjoyed the whale that he had caught. He ate steak and took pride in what he had accomplished by eating the whale. I think it was wrong for chopping the whales head and hanging it on the ship.
@ Daniaal Chaudhry I agree with you that killing the whale and hanging its head on the ship is very cruel because whale should not be treated that way. I think that to Stubb every part of the whale is sentimental to him. But it was just wrong and was very disturbing that he hanged the whale head on the ship.
@David Pun I agree, every part of the whale is sentimental to to Stubb. He took it too far and hung the corpse of the whale like that, he could have handled it another way.
In Chapter 94, Ishmael does not seem to be faze by the fact that the job he is doing is very abnormal. I cannot imagine how Ishmael and other men deal with the jobs they have on the ship for a long period of time. It is also a dangerous job because they can lose a toe on the job.
it is quiet shocking how Stubb reacted after the line was when Pip leaped out the boat. One would have expected him to be more sympathetic but rather he cursed him adding that the whale would sell thirty times what Pip would sell in Alabama.
@David Pun even though its kinda messed up how they treat the whale, eating it sort of makes sense. Its better for it not to go to waste right?
Nonso
I find it ungrateful on the side of Flask and Stubb for thinking Fedallah to be "the devil in disguise." Instead of appreciating Fedallah's knowledge of balancing since it will prevent the ship from turning over although as Ishmeal pointed out was unneccessary, they rather call him the devil adding that he has a tail which he hides. This again brings up the idea of barbarism. With the idea being new to them, they called Fedallah "the devil"
@nyamehadjoa
I agree and also think they are making all of the accusations of Felldah because they are prejudice against him because he isn't white and wears a turbin.
While reading I realized that the fate Ahab has given himself is so much worse than the one from the one in the Bible story. He is completely consumed with catching Moby Dick. He has made his mind a prison he in my opinion he is a man that has nothing great to love for that is why he is willing to risk everything.
Chelsea Green pd. 3
In chapter 94 Ishmael describes the blubber room to the reader. In this room, the workers in there can lose some toes. This shows that even when the men aren't chasing whales, it is still dangerous. Just like when tashtego fell into the whale's head and had to be rescued by queequeg. Death is all around them. The people on board these whaling ships can die from from chasing a whale to to falling into its head from sheer clumsiness.
Poor little pip. They shouldve let him stay on the pequod
@nonso You have a point why waste the whale, but in a way the whale is superior to the humans because they need it to survive. No whales= weak people
@timothy wong I think everybody on the Pequod is starting to become obsessed with the hunting of the whales and the preparing of the whale after it is killed.
@nyamehadjoa I also thought that stubb could be a bit more understanding when Pip jumps off the boat. But I guess he got so angry because they lost the whale due to Pip. I felt bad for pip when he was left in the sea after he jumped out again. But I understood why Stubb would do this. If you're going on a whaling voyage, then you should probably know what dangers lie ahead and it is important for Pip to stop being afraid.
The gold dubloon is probably the next biggest symbol after moby dick. Everyone has their own interpretation of the dubloon just like how everyone has their reasons for joining ahabs search for moby dick if any at all.
@Rosanne @Milo I agree. The bond between Ishamel and Queequeg has definitely grown since they first met. The fact that they are working together, shows that there is some sort of trust between them.
@Billy
I agree with you on the dubloon comment. this is like another milestone in the book, especially since its like Queequeg's tatto.
In chapter 93 it shows that all the crew members have no feelings towards anything else besides the catching whales. When Pip falls into the water all the sailors curse at Pip's foolishness. Stubb tells Pip that a whale is worth more than him if they were sold as slaves.
Ahab is ridiculously obsessed with the whale, even after finding another whaling ship who came across Moby-dick and was seriously harmed he doesn't understand the danger. The captain has lost an arm and learned his lesson, no longer will he try to attack the whale again even after he spotted him a second time.
@Nicole Yu
I agree with you about how chapter 94 is a little gross. However, i think that Melville is explaining how the whale isn't just something to be killed. He does this by using very descriptive language to show that the sailors enjoy taking the Whale apart, meaning that they find joy in dehumanizing the whale. I think that this is Melville's way of showing us further how obsessed the entire crew has become. It also shows their experience on whaling expeditions.
@victoria hernandez I agree with you that no matter what story Ahab hears, he is still after Moby-Dick. Melville made Moby Dick obsessed with the whale.
@Victoria Hernandez
I think it's really interesting that you point out the other ship. It's almost like the author is trying to show us as readers what could happen, and giving Ahab a test to see how far off the deep end he's gone. He is completely insane at this point, there's nothing in the world could stop him from going after Moby Dick, even a clear warning from another ship.
@chrystalwong i agree with you chrystal theres something very strange about the whole situation with the preaching. Stubb is a very interesting character.
@michellewong I agree with you with that it is a waste after getting what they want from the whale they just get rid of it. But to them there animals and there use is to benefit them and no one else.
I thought it was interesting that they oiled the boat to make it go faster.Also, it's nasty to me the way they squeeze the lumps from the whale.
@Victoria i agree, he's obsession is just like Chillingworth, he doesnt mind giving up phis life for it because there is nothing left for him. Personally i think he will die trying to kill Moby dick or end up more helpless than before.
Its also interesting how intricate whaling is with the process of getting the oil along with killing them. It seems to be an incredible skill from the way Melville has been describing it.
@Isabel Vulakh
I completely agree with your characterization of Stubb, that he is just a good sailor who accomplished his task. But he didn't lite his pipe purposely as he set out to kill the whale. It wasn't his way of showing off that the task was easy that he could smoke as he does it. He lite his pipe because the whale had headed underwater for a while. I believe that he just did it as a pure pastime- thinking that if the whale would be going down for some time he could finish his smoke.It was only a coincidence that he wasn't done when he had to kill the whale. His pipe then smoked out at the same time as the whale was killed that shows his skill and serving as a symbol, and yea he deserves props for that.
I thought the same thing about them squeezing the lumps from the whale but it one thing that must be done before the sperm fully cools down.
I think it's horrible how they kill so many whales just for people's lamps to work. Especially the crew they have so many different lamps but this is because they are able to receive the oil for free. It's bad that so many whales have to be harmed for the benefit of others.i guess that's just how life is sometime bad things must happen for good to occur.
I also thought that how boomer lost his arm was pretty gruesome.i think it was karma though.
Ishmael is beginning to take interest in sperm whales due to the amount of oil their body holds.
When the crew goes through the process of retrieving the oil from the whale carcass, it's described as a pretty long process.
@Victoria I agree with you one hundred percent. Ahab is so obsessed with getting revenge on this whale that he'll stop at nothing to do so. It seems as though that's all he's living to do.
I thought it was horrible the way they treated Pip. The crew cared more about the whale than Pip's life. Stubb is such a heartless man. First, he enjoys the whale while everyone else doesn't eat it, and then he leaves Pip in the ocean to teach him a lesson. He even goes crazy because of this.
I do not understand the purpose of the monkey-rope to me it seems more deadly then helpful. Since it it attached to both Queequeg's and Ishmael's belts if one was to fall then the other will fall and die as well. Wouldn't it be more useful to not tie it to both men therefore if one were to fall at least only one would die not two. This to me just seems like a foolish thing to do since they need all the men they can get on their voyage.
@Teresa Li, Ahab continues to persist to pursue Moby Dick despite all the bad omens because he feels like when he lost his leg, he lost a part of him also, physically(haha) and emotionally. Despite all the odds, bad omens, and dangers, he will not give up until he has wretched the heart of Moby Dick. He is very vindictive, hardheaded, and shows no remorse towards Moby Dick. He's going to put his life on the line to hunt this whale down whom he feels very strongly about.
@Shewy B. Stubb didn't leave Pip in the ocean to teach him a lesson; he thought one of the other boats would go and save Pip. - Kareena Lashley
I think that the interpretation that every man had of the coin is another reinforcement of how different every man is on this ship. In the beginning of the book when we were introduced to the extremely diverse group of the crew on ship, it was mainly done by describing their background and looks. With these men looking at this coin, and reflecting upon it with each of their own interpretation gives us an insight of the type of people they really are, and what's going on in their heads. We are getting to know everyone on the ship really well now that we get to see what they see of themselves.
@Alina Bita
From what I understood is since Ishmael is Queequeg's bowsman, meaning they are partners in their work, they have to look out for one another. The monkey rope is just another name for Queequeg's harness. The reason why Ishmael is attached to it with Queequeg is because he is basically a support system for Queequeg while he is finishing his task on the whale. Queequeg is standing on top of the dead whale that's half underwater. It's extremely unsafe and he can easily fall over or get hurt, so Ishmael is there as a reinforcement of protection for him. Also I would like to add that this all ties into with the original themes of the men being so different, yet the same. Example being when they were so close sleeping in the same bed, and now they are so close and as one.
In chapters 74-76, Ishmael keenly observes two whale carcasses side by side, and he seems to admire the sperm whale. This shows a very curious and observative side of Ishmael.
I was pleasantly surprised at how great the book was. I was disturbed when Stubb eats a part of the whale but its that type of act that makes the book a bit more interesting. I really enjoyed the mystery feel and freakiness of the story especially when a the bloody head is hung as a trophy. That part shows just how great the feeling was when capturing the whale and that it was needed to be showed off.
-Yassine Kaouadji
When Queequeg rescues Tashtego from the whale, it brings up the story that was told in the beginning of the book with Jonna and the whale. Queequeg plays a role of savior in this scene that is similar to god. I feel this foreshadows all the good he will do later in the book
@timothy Wong I think the story's focus does shift to ahab as the main character, with Ishmael as the narrator
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