Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

3rd Nantucket Sailor Complains About Dancing

A third Nantucket sailor exclaims that this dancing is “worse than pulling after whales in a calm,” requesting a whiff (marijuana) from Tash. The dancing ceases as the sailors gather in clusters, with the sky beginning to darken and the wind rising.

Sky Darkens as Squall Approaches

The atmosphere shifts dramatically as the sky darkens and the wind rises. The previous revelry gives way to the ominous signs of an approaching storm, signaling a turning point in the chapter.

Lascar Sailor Warns of Impending Squall

The Lascar sailor invokes Brahma as he recognizes the approaching danger, warning “it’ll be douse sail soon.” He describes the sky-born Ganges turned to wind, calling upon Seeva as the dark sky appears.

Maltese Sailor Romanticizes Dancing with Waves

The Maltese sailor, reclining and shaking his cap, romanticizes dancing with the waves themselves. He wishes all waves were women so he could “go drown, and chassee with them evermore.” He waxes poetic about the “swift glances of warm, wild bosoms in the dance” where the arms hide “such ripe, bursting grapes.”

Sicilian Sailor Describes Dance Sensuality

The Sicilian sailor, also reclining, passionately describes the sensual aspects of dancing with vivid imagery of “fleet interlacings of the limbs—lithe swayings—coyings—flutterings!” He speaks of “unceasing touch and go! not taste,” warning that satiety comes from tasting. He addresses his companion as “Pagan” with a nudge.

Tahitan Sailor Longs for Tahitian Dancing Girls

The Tahitan sailor, reclining on his mat, calls for the “holy nakedness of our dancing girls—the Heeva-Heeva!” He remembers Tahiti with longing, seeing his woven mat and remembering when it was green and new but now “worn and wilted.” He imagines the roaring streams from Pirohitee’s peak and leaps to his feet at the first sign of the blast.