[neuracnu]

I refuse to read any creative analysis of Moby-Dick that doesn't take a serious stand as to WTF was going on in Melville's head when he wrote Chapter 94, A Squeeze of the Hand. Or is it just meant to be a hidden treat for the freaks whose eyes didn't glaze over during the whale-facts portion?

https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/42/moby-dick/775/chapter-94-a-squ...

[kibwen]

While it's funny to think of people reading this completely out of context, I'm obliged to mention that "spermaceti" is a waxy oil found in the heads of sperm whales, and the industry bent on harvesting this substance was basically the entire point of hunting the species nearly to extinction.

[lovecg]

If that gives you pause, the very next chapter is literally all about the whale’s penis (and I don’t want to hear any Moby-Dick puns unless they’re exceptionally clever)

https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/42/moby-dick/776/chapter-95-the-c...