I have a whole list of favorite quotes from Melville. Some are funny, some are thought-provoking, some are shocking. I thought it would be fun to start a list of our own here. I’ll start you out with the first one I marked – way back on page 84. (Seems like eons ago!)
“…Heaven have mercy on us all – Presbyterians (I might substitute “Lutherans,” but that would lack alliteration, which Melville is so fond of.) – and Pagans alike – for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head and sadly need mending.”
Or how about this one from page 123:
“Think Not is my eleventh commandment; and sleep when you can, is my twelfth.” (I’m especially partial to Commandment 12.)
What are some of your favorites? Please comment!
Advertisements
Christine
Christina Joy
Jeannette
Christina Joy
April 10, 2012 at 8:21 pm
The commandment one is definitely one of mine. I’ll post about my all time favorite quote in a little while, but I’ll give you a hint: the cook says it.
Adriana @ Classical Quest
April 11, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Is it something the cook says in his sermon to the sharks?
I’m planning to add my favorite quotes later too. I may not have the time until tomorrow.
Adriana @ Classical Quest
April 12, 2012 at 11:59 pm
“But come, it’s getting dreadful late, you had better be turning flukes – it’s a nice bed: Sal and me slept in that ere bed the night we were spliced.” – Landlord of the Spouter Inn, chapter 3
Jeannette
April 13, 2012 at 7:29 am
Good one! “spliced” – That’s so funny!
Adriana @ Classical Quest
April 13, 2012 at 7:38 am
“Lost by a whale! Young man, come nearer to me: [Ahab’s leg] was devoured, chewed up, crunched by the monstrousest parmacetty that ever chipped a boat! – ah, ah!” — Captain Peleg, Chapter 16, “The Ship”
Christine
April 29, 2012 at 3:32 pm
chapter 81 The Pequod Meets the Virgin: “Don’t be afraid, my butter-boxes,” cried Stubb, casting a passing glance upon them as he shot by; “ye’ll be picked up presently–all right–I saw some sharks astern–St. Bernard’s dogs, you know–relieve distressed travellers.”