Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Public Room Interior Description

Public Room Interior Description Beyond the entry, the narrator passes through a low-arched passage (once a great central chimney) and enters a dark public room with heavy ceiling beams and creaking old planks that suggest a rocking ship’s cockpit. A long shelf-like table holds cracked glass cases filled with dusty curiosities gathered from remote corners of the world.

Inn Bar Description

Inn Bar Description The bar is built into a dark den resembling a right whale’s head, with the vast arched jawbone wide enough for a coach to pass beneath. Inside, shabby shelves hold old decanters and bottles while a withered old barkeeper—called Jonah—serves sailors. The tumblers taper deceptively, with etched lines encouraging patrons to keep drinking for the Cape Horn measure.

Skrimshander Display

Skrimshander Display Upon entering, the narrator finds a number of young seamen gathered around a table, examining by dim light various specimens of scrimshaw.

Harpooneer Lodging Offer

Harpooneer Lodging Offer The narrator requests a room and is told the inn is full, but the landlord offers the alternative of sharing a harpooneer’s blanket, assuming the narrator is going whaling. The narrator reluctantly agrees, hoping the harpooneer will not be objectionable.

Supper with Seamen

Supper with Seamen The narrator is summoned to supper in a cold adjoining room warmed only by tallow candles. The substantial meal includes meat, potatoes, and dumplings. A young man in a green box coat devours the dumplings in such a direful manner that the landlord warns him of certain nightmares. The narrator learns the harpooneer is a dark-complexioned man who eats only rare steaks, and begins to feel suspicious about sharing a bed with him.