Changing Places
Stubb and Tashtego change places—stem for stern—a staggering, precarious business in that rocking commotion. The maneuver requires careful coordination as the boat continues its violent pursuit of the whale.
Hauling In
As the whale slackens his flight, Stubb cries “Haul in—haul in!” to the bowsman. All hands pull the boat up alongside the whale while it tows them along. Ranging up by the whale’s flank, Stubb firmly plants his knee in the cleat and darts harpoon after harpoon into the flying fish.
The Lance Thrusts
Red tide pours from the monster like brooks down a hill. The whale’s tormented body rolls not in brine but in blood, bubbling and seething for furlongs behind. The slanting sun plays upon this crimson pond, sending back reflection into every face so that all glow red like red men. Jet after jet of white smoke agonizingly shoots from the whale’s spiracle while Stubb vigorously hauls in upon his crooked lance and straightens it again and again against the gunwale, sending it into the whale repeatedly.
The Final Thrust
As the whale’s wrath wanes, Stubb cries “Pull up—close to!” and ranges the boat along the fish’s flank. Reaching far over the bow, Stubb slowly churns his long sharp lance into the fish, carefully churning and churning as if seeking to feel after some gold watch the whale might have swallowed. That gold watch proves to be the whale’s innermost life.
The Flurry
The monster starts from its trance into what whalers call a “flurry,” horribly wallowing in its blood and overwrapping itself in impenetrable, mad, boiling spray. The imperilled craft instantly drops astern and struggles blindly to escape from that phrensied twilight into the clear air of day.
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.