Moby Dick

how is the white whale finally spotted on the second day? how are the whale and its actions described?

chapter 134

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

"The triumphant halloo of thirty buckskin lungs was heard, as- much nearer to the ship than the place of the imaginary jet, less than a mile ahead- Moby Dick bodily burst into view! For not by any calm and indolent spoutings; not by the peaceable gush of that mystic fountain in his head, did the White Whale now reveal his vicinity; but by the far more wondrous phenomenon of breaching. Rising with his utmost velocity from the furthest depths, the Sperm Whale thus booms his entire bulk into the pure element of air, and piling up a mountain of dazzling foam, shows his place to the distance of seven miles and more. In those moments, the torn, enraged waves he shakes off, seem his mane; in some cases, this breaching is his act of defiance."

Source(s)

Moby Dick/ Chapter 134