Moby-Dick; or, The Whale Moby Dick, or The Whale - Chapter 045-047
May 25, 2023
The narrator delves into harrowing tales of whales returning to exact revenge on their hunters, showcasing firsthand accounts of traumatic encounters. He highlights famous whales that became legends, hunted with the infamy of historical figures. The tragic sinking of the Essex illustrates the dangers posed by sperm whales, while corroborative stories from explorers reinforce the credibility of these monstrous narratives. As tension builds with Ahab's obsession, the crew prepares for an intense chase, marking a thrilling turn in their perilous journey.
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Whales Surviving And Returning Years Later
- The narrator recounts personally knowing whales struck, escaped, and later killed with the same marked harpoons taken from their bodies.
- One case involved a three-year interval with the narrator present at both attacks and recognizing the whale by a mole under its eye.
Whales With Famous Names
- Famous individual whales gained ocean-wide renown and were recognized by whalemen like celebrated humans.
- Melville lists named whales (Timor Tom, New Zealand Jack, Morkan, Don Miguel) known across the fishery for their notoriety.
Hidden Frequency Of Whaling Tragedies
- Landlubbers underestimate how often deadly whaling accidents occur and how rarely they reach newspapers.
- Melville emphasizes that many lost boat crews remain unknown ashore due to irregular communications.
