Commodore Davis’s Barbary Coast Sperm Whale Find
The author cites reliable testimony that Commodore Davis of the British navy discovered a sperm whale skeleton on the Barbary Coast, as proof of sperm whale presence in the broader Mediterranean region.
Sperm Whale Access to the Propontis via the Dardanelles
The author argues that since a warship can easily pass through the Dardanelles strait, a sperm whale could also use this same route to travel from the Mediterranean into the Propontis, making the presence of a sperm whale in the Propontis physically plausible.
Propontis Sperm Whale Prey Availability
While the Propontis lacks the brit (the primary food of right whales) found in other whale habitats, the author has strong reason to believe squid or cuttle-fish, the primary prey of sperm whales, are present at the bottom of the Propontis, as large (but not the largest) members of this prey type have been observed at the sea’s surface.
第四十六章 Surmises.
Though Ahab is consumed by his obsession with capturing Moby Dick, he recognizes that he cannot abandon the ordinary purposes of the voyage or neglect the practical needs of his crew, since even the most dedicated seamen require immediate incentives like wages to remain committed to distant goals. His calculations extend to managing Starbuck, whose loyalty is merely superficial while his soul abhors the hunt, and to preventing his crew from dwelling too long on the philosophical terror of their mission by providing them with nearer matters to occupy their minds. Ahab also understands that by revealing his private purpose to the crew, he has exposed himself to accusations of usurpation, making it essential that he maintain the appearance of legitimate whaling operations while his predominating will keeps them under control.
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