An Analysis of Herman Melville's
Moby Dick

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The Fossil Whale

An Analysis of Chapter 104

Tone

The Tone Of This Chapter Is Didactic And Reflective, With An Undertone Of Marvel At The Contemplation Of The Whale'S Immense History And Presence.

Basic Stats

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

Basically...

The narrator expounds on the grandeur of whales from an archaeological perspective, contemplating their ancient existence and comparing their fossils with those of known species.

In more detail...

In Chapter 104, the narrator delves into a discussion about whales from an archaeological and geological perspective, considering their ancient existence and fossil records. He discusses the physical immensity of the whale and the difficulty in comprehensively describing such a vast creature. The narrator stresses the significance of choosing a substantial theme for writing, exemplified by his choice of the leviathan. He provides his credentials as a geologist, reflecting on the discovery of whale fossils and their relation to living species. The chapter details various discoveries of prehistoric whale bones and their impact on scientific understanding. The narrator muses on the whale's ancient existence, predating human history, and the awe he feels when considering the vastness of time and the whale's place within it.
Characters
  • Narrator
    • About - In this chapter, the narrator provides a detailed explication on the massiveness of whales, their fossil records, and the impact these discoveries have had on the understanding of the species' evolution and history. He positions himself as both a writer and an amateur geologist, indicating his keen interest in the expansive history of the whale.
    • Personality Traits - Learned, reflective, fascinated by the subject matter, and prone to grandioise writing.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.