Community Read Week 22 (Monday, May 20 - Sunday, May 26)

Chapters:

Summary:

Ishmael explains the phenomenon of the “gam,” a meeting between two whaling ships on the open sea. As unlikely as it seems to accidentally run into another ship in the middle of nowhere, Ishmael tells us that for several reasons it’s actually not uncommon, and is a significant method for captains to gather information about hunting grounds, exchange mail, and even run into friends from New Bedford/Nantucket/etc. Moreover, at the captain’s discretion, the crews are sometimes allowed to cross to another ship and mingle among each other.

Narration of the book, which had been told from the perspective of an older Ishmael recounting his younger self, is then temporarily taken over by a ‘third’ Ishmael, situated in time somewhere between these two selves. In other words, the older Ishmael tells a story of a time he told a story to his friends in Lima, Peru about another ship The Town-Ho. In short, the story concerns a power struggle between a sailor, Steelkilt, and the first mate, Radney. When Steelkilt refuses an order to sweep the decks, Radney pushes him and threatens him with a hammer. Steelkilt responds by punching him in the face and breaking his jaw. Several members of the crew come to Steelkilt’s aid, and threaten mutiny if any revenge is sought against Steelkilt. They hole up in the forecastle for a while before striking a deal with the captain to be allowed to return to their original positions without punishment. Meanwhile, Steelkilt plots to murder Radney once and for all, though just before he’s able to do so someone spots Moby Dick. During the hunt, Radney is thrown from the boat and is taken into the jaws of the whale who dives down with him. Afterward, the captain allows Steelkilt and those who defended him to leave the ship at the next port.

Questions:

  • Which aspect of the gams are you most surprised by?
  • Do you detect any rivalry or disdain for the whalers of other nations or other types of sailors?
  • What is the point of The Town-Ho’s Story in the larger narrative?
  • What do we learn about the main narrative (i.e., the Pequod) from The Town-Ho, despite being about a different voyage?
  • (ONGOING) Choose one of the references or allusions made in this week’s chapters to look up and post some more information about it

Upcoming:

  • May 27 - June 2: Chapters 55-57
  • June 3 - June 9: Chapters 58-60
  • June 10 - June 16: Chapters 61-62
  • June 17 - June 23: Chapters 63-65