Journal #3

At this point in the narrative, it is no surprise to me that the author decides to constantly emphasize how mysterious whales are to men. On chapter 70 (The Sphynx), Ahab questions to the decapitated head of the Sperm Whale as if it was a “Sphinx in the desert” (311). Sphinxes are known to be extremely wise, and perhaps even omniscient. In addition to that, Ahab says that the whale, “of all divers, hast dived the deepest” (311). I believe this chapter conveys that idea that, even though Ahab and his crew are very experienced whalers, they still have lots to learn about the deep ocean world, and that’s why Ahab jokingly asks the “Wise Whale”. This idea of whales being mysterious creatures is also carried out on chapter 79 (The Prairie). Ishmael applies the study of physiognomy and phrenology, which claims that one’s traits can be explained by their facial expressions and formation of the skull, on the whale. However, he comes to the conclusion that the interpretation of the reading depends on the reader (348), so this study cannot be objectively used. Melville uses irony to ridicule those fields of science that were so prevalent at his time. He does that by saying that great linguists, such Champollion and Sir William Johnson, couldn’t even “read the simplest peasant’s face in its profounder and more subtle meanings” (348).

            As we approach the end of the book, Melville continues to add foreshadowing in to keep up the suspense that was already established in the previous chapters. This section, however, I believe he started to be more direct when it comes to his foreshadows. In chapter 71 (The Jerroboam’s Story), we have a sailor who claims to be the archangel Gabriel (315). He “solemnly warns the captain [Ahab] against attacking the White Whale” (316), and guarantees that Ahab will end up dead just like the “blasphemer” who was killed by Moby Dick (“thou art soon going that way.” 318). Ishmael, at the end of the chapter, says that “many things were hinted in reference to this wild affair” (319), showing that this prophecy is bound to happen. Another instance of a not so subtle foreshadowing can be seen on chapter 74 (The Sperm Whale’s Head – Contrasted View). Ishmael talks about how sperm whales have their eyes located on the same place humans have their ears, therefore they can see what is on their sides but are unable to perceive what is directly in front of them. He emphasizes it by warning that it should be “remembered by the reader in some subsequent scenes” (331). My prediction is that when they finally meet Moby Dick, the whale’s peripheral view is going to play a huge role on deciding who is going to come out as the winner.

            Something that caught my attention in this section is how Ishmael used “technical chapters” (those in which he describes the processes, tools, and important terms in whaling) to make deep and philosophical points. On chapter 58 (Brit), he contrasts the safety of land to the dark, and “masterless ocean” (276). He, then, makes an analogy saying that the human soul is a “verdant land” that is surrounded by an ocean of the “horrors of the half known life” (276). The analogy is expanded when Ismael admires the whale, whose thick skin protects it from the ocean (chapter 68, 308). He envies the whales and wishes that mankind would “model thyself after the whale” (308), implying that he wished his soul wouldn’t suffer from its surrounding just likes the whales.