Moby Dick; Or, The Whale cover
Adventure Stories

Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Melville, Herman · 2001 · 31 min

LIBRO II. (Octavo)

Book II marks the beginning of the Octavo section of the work, which follows the conclusion of Book I. This section introduces a new category of whales of middling magnitude, transitioning the reader from the largest whales to those of intermediate size.

OCTAVOES

The Octavoes represent whales of middling magnitude, positioned between the large Folio whales and smaller varieties. The section specifically notes an explanatory distinction: this book is called Octavo rather than Quarto because while the whales in this order are smaller than those of the former order, they retain a proportionate likeness in figure to the larger whales. Similarly, the Octavo volume preserves the shape of the Folio volume in its dimensioned form, unlike the Quarto volume.

Grampus

The Grampus is listed as the first whale in the Octavo category of middling magnitude whales.

Black Fish

The Black Fish is listed as the second whale in the Octavo category of middling magnitude whales.

Narwhale

The Narwhale is listed as the third whale in the Octavo category of middling magnitude whales.

Thrasher

The Thrasher is listed as the fourth whale in the Octavo category of middling magnitude whales.

Killer

The Killer is listed as the fifth whale in the Octavo category of middling magnitude whales.

LIBRO II. (Octavo), CHAPTER I. (Grampus).—Though this fish, whose

BOOK II. (Octavo), CHAPTER I. (Grampus).—Though this fish, whose The Grampus: An Examination of an Unappreciated Whale

Grampus Breathing and Proverb Origin

Grampus Breathing and Proverb Origin The Grampus produces a loud, sonorous breathing, or rather blowing, that has furnished a proverb to landsmen. Despite this distinctive characteristic being well known, the creature is not popularly classed among whales, though most naturalists recognize it as one.

Grampus Whale Classification Status

Grampus Whale Classification Status The Grampus is not popularly classed among whales, yet possessing all the grand distinctive features of the leviathan, most naturalists have recognised him for one. This creates a discrepancy between popular classification and scientific acceptance.

Grampus Size Specifications

Grampus Size Specifications The Grampus is of moderate octavo size, varying from fifteen to twenty-five feet in length, and of corresponding dimensions round the waist.

Grampus Herding and Hunting Status

Grampus Herding and Hunting Status The Grampus swims in herds and is never regularly hunted, despite being a well-known denizen of the deep.

Grampus Oil Quantity and Quality

Grampus Oil Quantity and Quality The oil of the Grampus is considerable in quantity, and pretty good for light purposes, though the species remains unexploited by the fisheries.

Grampus as Sperm Whale Omen

Grampus as Sperm Whale Omen By some fishermen, the Grampus’s approach is regarded as premonitory of the advance of the great sperm whale, making it significant in whaling lore beyond its own merits.

LIBRO II. (Octavo), CHAPTER II. (Black Fish).—I give the popular

The author discusses fishermen’s traditional names for marine creatures, noting these names are generally the most reliable. When names prove vague or unexpressive, the author will propose alternatives. This approach is applied to the Black Fish.

Popular Fish Naming and Vague Name Correction

Fishermen’s names for fish are typically the best available, serving as the most reliable nomenclature. The author commits to identifying vague or unexpressive names and suggesting improvements where necessary.

Hyena Whale Designation for Black Fish

Since blackness is the predominant characteristic among nearly all whales, the Black Fish is called as such. However, the author proposes an alternative designation: the Hyena Whale.

Hyena Whale Voracity and Mephistophelean Grin

The Hyena Whale is well known for its voracious appetite. A distinguishing feature is the upward curve of its inner lip angles, which creates what appears to be an everlasting Mephistophelean grin on its face.

Hyena Whale Average Length

This particular whale typically measures approximately sixteen to eighteen feet in length.

Hyena Whale Global Distribution

The Hyena Whale is found in nearly all latitudes across the globe.

The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.

Project Gutenberg