Original Story：
To make them run easily and swiftly, the axles of carriages are anointed; and for much the same purpose, some whalers perform an analogous operation upon their boat; they grease the bottom. Nor is it to be doubted that as such a procedure can do no harm, it may possibly be of no contemptible advantage; considering that oil and water are hostile; that oil is a sliding thing, and that the object in view is to make the boat slide bravely. Queequeg believed strongly in anointing his boat, and one morning not long after the German ship Jungfrau disappeared, took more than customary pains in that occupation; crawling under its bottom, where it hung over the side, and rubbing in the unctuousness as though diligently seeking to insure a crop of hair from the craft’s bald keel. He seemed to be working in obedience to some particular presentiment. Nor did it remain unwarranted by the event.
Towards noon whales were raised; but so soon as the ship sailed down to them, they turned and fled with swift precipitancy; a disordered flight, as of Cleopatra’s barges from Actium.
Nevertheless, the boats pursued, and Stubb’s was foremost. By great exertion, Tashtego at last succeeded in planting one iron; but the stricken whale, without at all sounding, still continued his horizontal flight, with added fleetness. Such unintermitted strainings upon the planted iron must sooner or later inevitably extract it. It became imperative to lance the flying whale, or be content to lose him. But to haul the boat up to his flank was impossible, he swam so fast and furious. What then remained?
Of all the wondrous devices and dexterities, the sleights of hand and countless subtleties, to which the veteran whaleman is so often forced, none exceed that fine manoeuvre with the lance called pitchpoling. Small sword, or broad sword, in all its exercises boasts nothing like it. It is only indispensable with an inveterate running whale; its grand fact and feature is the wonderful distance to which the long lance is accurately darted from a violently rocking, jerking boat, under extreme headway. Steel and wood included, the entire spear is some ten or twelve feet in length; the staff is much slighter than that of the harpoon, and also of a lighter material- pine. It is furnished with a small rope called a warp, of considerable length, by which it can be hauled back to the hand after darting.
But before going further, it is important to mention here, that though the harpoon may be pitchpoled in the same way with the lance, yet it is seldom done; and when done, is still less frequently successful, on account of the greater weight and inferior length of the harpoon as compared with the lance, which in effect become serious drawbacks. As a general thing, therefore, you must first get to a whale, before any pitchpoling comes into play.
Look now at Stubb; a man who from his humorous, deliberate coolness and equanimity in the direst emergencies, was specially qualified to excel in pitchpoling. Look at him; he stands upright in the tossed bow of the flying boat; wrapt in fleecy foam, the towing whale is forty feet ahead. Handling the long lance lightly, glancing twice or thrice along its length to see if it be exactly straight, Stubb whistlingly gathers up the coil of the wrap in one hand, so as to secure its free end in his grasp, leaving the rest unobstructed. Then holding the lance full before his waistband’s middle, he levels it at the whale; when, covering him with it, he steadily depresses the butt-end in his hand, thereby elevating the point till the weapon stands fairly balanced upon his palm, fifteen feet in the air. He minds you somewhat of a juggler, balancing a long staff on his chin. Next moment with a rapid, nameless impulse, in a superb arch the bright steel spans the foaming distance, and quivers in the life spot of the whale. Instead of sparkling water, he now spouts red blood.
“That drove the spigot out of him!” cried Stubb. ”’Tis July’s immortal Fourth; all fountains must run wine today! Would now, it were old Orleans whiskey, or old Ohio, or unspeakable old Monongahela! Then, Tashtego, lad, I’d have ye hold a canakin to the jet, and we’d drink round it! Yea, verily, hearts alive, we’d brew choice punch in the spread of his spout-hole there, and from that live punch-bowl quaff the living stuff.”
Again and again to such gamesome talk, the dexterous dart is repeated, the spear returning to its master like a greyhound held in skilful leash. The agonized whale goes into his flurry; the tow-line is slackened, and the pitchpoler dropping astern, folds his hands, and mutely watches the monster die.
Expansion and Analysis
Summary and Explanation
This passage vividly describes a whaling scene, focusing on the specialized techniques used by experienced whalers to catch whales. The story begins with a comparison between greasing carriage axles and greasing the bottom of a whaling boat to make it move more smoothly through water. Queequeg, a skilled harpooner, carefully anoints his boat’s bottom, believing it will bring good luck.
When whales are spotted, the chase begins. The whales flee swiftly, but the whalers pursue relentlessly. Tashtego manages to strike a whale with an iron harpoon, but the whale continues to swim fast, risking the harpoon being pulled out. To secure the catch, the whalers use a technique called pitchpoling — a skillful and precise lance throw from a rocking boat to wound the whale further.
Stubb, a calm and confident whaler, expertly performs pitchpoling, balancing the long lance and throwing it with great accuracy. The whale bleeds, signaling a successful strike. Stubb’s playful and spirited comments add a human touch to the intense and dangerous hunt. The passage ends with the whale dying and the whalers quietly observing.
Literary Appreciation
This excerpt is rich in imagery and technical detail, immersing the reader in the perilous world of 19th-century whaling. The author’s use of metaphor, such as comparing the fleeing whales to Cleopatra’s barges from Actium, enhances the drama and historical resonance. The detailed description of pitchpoling highlights the whalers’ skill and bravery, while Stubb’s humor provides relief amid the tension.
The narrative balances action with character insight, showing how the whalers’ expertise and calmness under pressure are crucial to their survival. The language is both poetic and precise, making the story engaging for readers interested in adventure and maritime life.
Background and Author Introduction
This story is part of the classic novel Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, first published in 1851. Melville was an American novelist and sailor who drew on his own experiences at sea to create vivid depictions of whaling life. Moby-Dick explores themes of obsession, nature, and humanity’s struggle against the unknown.
Melville’s work was not fully appreciated during his lifetime but has since become a cornerstone of American literature. His detailed descriptions and philosophical depth make Moby-Dick a challenging yet rewarding read.
Educational Value and Life Lessons
Children and students can learn several important lessons from this story:
- Skill and Precision: The story highlights the importance of mastering a craft through practice and focus, as seen in the pitchpoling technique.
- Calmness Under Pressure: Stubb’s cool demeanor teaches how staying calm in difficult situations can lead to success.
- Respect for Nature: The detailed portrayal of the whale hunt encourages reflection on human interaction with nature and the ethical considerations involved.
- Teamwork and Perseverance: The whalers’ coordinated efforts and persistence demonstrate the value of working together and not giving up easily.
Practical Applications and Learning Points
- Science and Technology: The story introduces concepts related to physics (friction, motion), biology (whale behavior), and nautical technology (boats, harpoons).
- History and Culture: Students gain insight into 19th-century maritime life and the whaling industry’s role in history.
- Language Skills: The rich vocabulary and figurative language provide excellent material for improving reading comprehension and literary analysis.
- Problem-Solving: The whalers’ inventive methods encourage creative thinking and adaptability.
Reading Comprehension Exercises
-
Why do whalers grease the bottom of their boats?
A) To make the boat look shiny
B) To help the boat slide smoothly through water
C) To attract whales
D) To protect the boat from damage -
What is pitchpoling?
A) A method of catching fish with a net
B) A technique of throwing a lance at a whale from a moving boat
C) A way of repairing the boat’s hull
D) A type of dance performed by whalers -
How does Stubb prepare before throwing the lance?
A) He checks if the lance is straight and coils the rope carefully
B) He shouts to scare the whale
C) He throws the lance randomly
D) He waits for the whale to come closer -
What does the red blood spouting from the whale signify?
A) The whale is healthy
B) The whale has been successfully wounded
C) The whale is swimming faster
D) The whale is jumping out of the water -
What qualities does Stubb demonstrate during the hunt?
A) Fear and panic
B) Humor, calmness, and skill
C) Anger and impatience
D) Laziness and carelessness
Answers
- B
- B
- A
- B
- B
This story offers a thrilling glimpse into the dangerous and demanding life of whalers, while also teaching valuable lessons about skill, courage, and respect for nature. Through understanding the techniques and mindset of the characters, young readers can appreciate both the adventure and the deeper meanings behind this classic tale.
