Welcome to Moby Dick Monday! This is where we read four pages a day and then post about what we’ve read. Consider it an adventure of sorts!

My Story Re-Cap:

Today’s recap is short and sweet and takes me through chapter 76.

In this week’s reading, the crew catches a whale. Although there is great detail in everything Melville shares, the detail of the catch itself was not as fleshed out, as the carving of the whale afterward. It’s clear to me, that the carving of such a massive animal is a very delicate procedure. Just the nature of its size presents a problem. As it’s strung up, it has to be strung up in such a way as to not cause the ship to go under.

Cutting into the wrong section could cause death and it is within these chapters that the massive whale head comes crashing down on Tashtego, sending him to the bottom of the ocean. As the crew watches in horror, Queequeg dives in after him. Both are down for a very long time. After several agonizing minutes, Queequeg comes up with Tashtego. It is explained afterward that Queequeg tunneled through the whale’s head and pulled Tashtego through it. Melville equates this act to childbirth, which I found quite interesting.

My Rambling Thoughts:

The carving of the whale is a messy process but Melville’s account of it is so clinical in nature that it doesn’t seem overly graphic. However, I did find myself re-reading certain passages. Mostly because I wanted to get a clear picture of what was going on in my mind.

Reading Along With Me:

Jill of RhapsodyinBooks
Dar of Peeking Between the Pages
Eva of A Striped Armchair (completed!)
Wisteria from Bookworm’s Dinner
Gavin from Page247
Claire from kiss a cloud
Sandra from Fresh Ink Books

For those that are participating, share your post links in comments. What do you think so far? Oh, and if anyone wants to join us just leave me a message below.