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!
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.”