Moby Dick Journal #3

There are moments in which the author interrupts the story, reinforcing important background information which he believes to be necessary for the comprehension of the reader. We see an example on page 241, of Chapter 53. On page 240, he asks a question, “but what is a gam?”. He then gives a definition which is incorporated into the Lexicon. “GAM.-Noun- A social meeting of two (or more) Whale-ships, generally on a cruising-ground; when, after exchanging hails, they exchange visits by boats` crews: the two captains remaining, for the first time, on board of one ship, and the two chief mates on the other.” (Melville, page 241)

            The author also presents many allusions as he is explaining a situation. On page 264, he presents many allusions. On the beginning of the first paragraph, he presents an allusion to Hinduism belief, as he makes a reference of Vishnu. “The Hindoo whale referred to, occurs in a separate department of the wall, depicting the incarnation of Vishnu in the form of leviathan, learnedly known as the Matse Avatar.” (Melville, page 264) On the same page, he also makes a Biblical reference. “Then, there are the Prodromus whales of old Scotch Sibbald, and Jonas` whale, as depicted in the prints of old Bibles and the cuts of old primers.” (Melville, 264)

            On page 301, towards the end of the chapter, he again presents another allusion. He alludes to Shakespeare. “The head looks a sort of reproachfully at him, with an “Et tu Brute!” (Melville, 301) It`s a famous line from Shakespeare` play, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”. The line was said during a scene of betrayal and shock. Likewise, in this scene of the story of Moby Dick shows the saddest sights, betrayal.