Chapters 84-86 Summary

Ishmael begins this chapter discussing the manner of oiling the bottom of a boat, a ceremony performed for good luck. Ishmael states the Queequeg believes vigilantly in this ceremony and performs it on the boat soon after their encounter with The Virgin. Next, Ishmael turns his attention back to whaling. Whales have been sighted and the crew lowers boats. Tashtego gets one iron in a whale, but the whale runs giving Ishmael the chance to witness and describe the method of pitchpoling. Stubb stands in the front of the boat holding a slender spear made of wood and steel. A long rope connects to the spear so it can be pulled back into the boat if the thrower needs to. With a quick precise movement, Stubb throws this spear at the whale striking him in the life point. Stubb and the...