Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

The Formation of Ishmael and Queequeg’s Friendship

As Ishmael sits with Queequeg, he feels a growing warmth and affection for the man, drawn to his lack of the civilized hypocrisy Ishmael has grown weary of. He draws close to make friendly overtures, and when Queequeg confirms they will share a bed again that night, Ishmael engages him in conversation about the large book and local sights, then invites him to share a smoke from Queequeg’s pouch and tomahawk. The shared smoke breaks through any remaining indifference, and after it, Queequeg presses his forehead to Ishmael’s, clasps him around the waist, and declares they are now “bosom friends” (married, in his culture), vowing to die for Ishmael if needed, a commitment Ishmael accepts as genuine despite its suddenness.

Queequeg’s Gifts, Shared Worship, and the Honeymoon Chat

After supper and an additional chat and smoke, the pair returns to their room. Queequeg gives Ishmael his embalmed head as a gift, then pulls thirty dollars in silver from his enormous tobacco wallet, splits it into two equal piles, and pushes one pile to Ishmael, pouring the coins into his pockets when Ishmael tries to protest. He then prepares for his evening idol worship, and invites Ishmael to join; Ishmael reasons that true worship is doing the will of God, which means treating one’s fellow man as one wishes to be treated, so he agrees to participate in Queequeg’s ritual. After the worship, they undress and get into bed, where they share intimate, confidential conversation late into the night like a newly married couple on their honeymoon.