I refuse to read any creative analysis of Moby-Dick that doesn't take a serious stand as to WTF was going on in Melville's head when he wrote Chapter 94, A Squeeze of the Hand. Or is it just meant to be a hidden treat for the freaks whose eyes didn't glaze over during the whale-facts portion?
While it's funny to think of people reading this completely out of context, I'm obliged to mention that "spermaceti" is a waxy oil found in the heads of sperm whales, and the industry bent on harvesting this substance was basically the entire point of hunting the species nearly to extinction.
If that gives you pause, the very next chapter is literally all about the whale’s penis (and I don’t want to hear any Moby-Dick puns unless they’re exceptionally clever)
kibwen|2 years ago
lovecg|2 years ago
https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/42/moby-dick/776/chapter-95-the-c...