A Squeeze of the Hand

 

Introduction

A chapter made humorous by an odd choice of words.

Questions

Answer one of the following question.

1. Who is the narrator of this chapter?

How does the chapter show Ishmael?

2. How does the "squeeze" of the hand also show something more sexual?

Is it sexual?

3. What is plum pudding?

 

The Cassock

 

Introduction

If you think things got bizarre in the previous chapter....

Questions

Answer one of the following questions.

1. Exactly what part of the whale is in the lee-scuppers?

2. What is the Mincer’s job?

Literally, what is he wearing for this job?

 

The Tryworks

 

Introduction

This is a wonderful chapter with some wierd depths.

Questions

Answer the following questions.

1. What are the try-pots primarily used for?

2. How do they show Ishmael as being more than a little looney?

3. Sometime around midnight, the ship begins freighted with more metaphor.

What does the ship look like at night?

What simile does Melville use?

what is the implication?

4. How does the ship imitate Ahab?

5. Ishmael dozes off on watch. What does he see when he wakes up?

How is that the truth of the ship?

What scene does this contrast?

6. What does Ishmael believe the sun symbolizes?

Therefore, why does he believe that every man should have his sorrow?

7. Explain the Catskill Eagle metaphor?

8. Explain the title

 

The Lamp

 

Introduction

A short but very wierd chapter.

Question

Answer the following question.

• Given what Ishmael says about true and false fires in the previous chapter, why this discussion of a lamp?

 

Stowing Down and Cleaning Up

 

Introduction

This i a workmanlike, clear chapter.

Questions

Answer one of the following questions.

1. How is the work of the whaler like the work of man, according to Melville?

2. Explain the use of Pythagoras?

 

The Doubloon

Introduction

Melville begins to focus on the white whale again.

Questions

Answer the following questions.

1. What does everyone make of the Doubloon? What do they see there?

2. Interpret Pip’s last comment.