Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Ahab Spots Moby Dick, Claims Doubloon Reward

While two-thirds aloft, Ahab sights a hump like a snow-hill and cries “There she blows! It is Moby Dick!” He demands the doubloon reward, declaring Fate reserved it for him alone. Tashtego claims he saw the whale at the same instant, but Ahab insists only he first raised the White Whale. The crew gathers in the rigging to behold the famous whale.

Chase Boats Launched, Pursue Moby Dick

Ahab commands the ship toward leeward and orders boats lowered. All boats except Starbuck’s are dropped, with boat-sails set and paddles flying. Fedallah’s eyes show a death-glimmer as the three boats shoot toward the whale, with Ahab leading the onset. The ocean grows strangely calm as they approach.

Moby Dick Surfaces, Displays Majestic Form

The White Whale reveals his high hump sparkling and jetting silent spouts. His vast bulk moves divinely, resembling Jupiter carrying Europa. The whale is surrounded by fleecy greenish foam, with fowl landing on a shattered lance projecting from his back. His serene beauty conceals deadly tornadoes within. The whale arches his body like Virginia’s Natural Bridge, waves his flukes, sounds, and disappears.

Moby Dick Dives, Then Resurfaces Aggressively

After an hour, white sea-fowls fly toward Ahab’s boat. Looking down, Ahab sees Moby Dick’s open mouth with crooked rows of white teeth rising from the depths. Ahab spins the boat aside, but Moby Dick obliquely thrusts his head beneath the boat, biting through every plank. His scrolled jaw rises high, nearly touching Ahab’s head as he shakes the boat like a cat with a mouse.