An Analysis of Herman Melville's
Moby Dick

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Measurement of The Whale’s Skeleton

An Analysis of Chapter 103

Tone

Didactic, Reflective, Contemplative

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Relaxed - (2) Clear - (4) Peaceful - (1) None - (1) Moderate - (3)

Basically...

The chapter discusses the dimensions and structure of the sperm whale's skeleton, comparing it to the whale's living form and acknowledging the difficulty of comprehending the whale's true magnitude just by its bones.

In more detail...

The narrator provides a detailed analysis of the sperm whale's skeletal dimensions, establishing the whale's immense size by way of elaborate calculations and comparisons. The chapter dissects the whale's physical structure, such as the skull, jaw, backbone, and ribs, while highlighting the distinctions between the skeleton and the living body of the whale. The decomposition of the whale's ribs and vertebrae reveals the massive nature of the creature and the futility of trying to understand its grandeur solely from its skeletal remains. The description emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the whale in its living, natural environment to grasp its full majesty.
Characters
  • Narrator (Ishmael)
    • About - The narrator provides a scientific and vivid description of the sperm whale's skeleton, contemplating the essence of the whale beyond its physical remains and the human experience when trying to comprehend it.
    • Personality Traits - Analytical, philosophical, reflective
    • Physical Characteristics - Physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter.