Instructive, Cautionary, And Reflective.

The chapter delves into the intricacies of the whale-line, its material properties, methods of storage, and the dangers associated with its use when whaling.

Chapter 60 provides a detailed explanation of the whale-line, an essential tool in whale hunting. Originally made from hemp and later replaced by Manilla rope due to its superior strength and elasticity, the line's thickness, length, and coiling method are described. The chapter highlights the meticulous care taken to store the line to prevent accidents, compares English and American storage methods, and illustrates the perilous situation of the whalers, who are entangled in the rope as they hunt whales. Melville uses this chapter to underscore the latent dangers in whaling, with emphasis on the technical aspects of the whale-line and its relation to the broader, mortal perils that all humans face.