Here we are back at Moby Dick Monday and I’m once again caught up on my reading.
I’m about 1/3 of the way (I’m on page 204 of 625) through this whale of book, and I think Billy has the right idea in boycotting Melville. Moby Dick still hasn’t made an appearance, although Ahab has, and he’s offered up a reward to the first man who sights him. You’d think that would spark some action, but no. Some random observations:
- Flask (the third mate) is quite the chatty Cathy. I do believe there was one chapter made up entirely of his commentary. Granted, the chapter was only one page, but he still rambles on.
- Just like the author! Did they not have editors in the 1800s?!? And did anyone else notice that the longest chapter (they usually average 3-4 pages), at 12 freakin’ pages, was Cetalogy? Melville rhapsodized about types of whales for 12 pages. I will confess to skimming, because good lord, was that ever boring.
- Why are there two chapters (26 and 27) titled Knights and Squires? Really, one was enough.
- The language. This book illustrates all of my prejudices against classics. It’s long. It’s boring. And the language…it makes my head hurt. Call me shallow, but I don’t want to think this hard, especially about whaling.
“In behalf of the dignity of whaling, I would fain advance naught but substantiated facts. But after embattling his facts, an advocate who should wholly suppress a not unreasonable surmise, which might tell eloquently upon his cause – such an advocate, would he not be blameworthy?”
- You may have guessed that I’m less than impressed. And you’d be right. Every time I pick up the book and start reading I have a compulsion to scream “get to the !@#$%^& point!” However, I keep reading, because like Ahab, I’m determined to conquer this damn whale.
ROFL!!!! I don’t want to think that hard about whaling either! I honestly don’t think I will ever read this book. I tried once in college but got through I think the first 100 pages and decided life was too short to waste it on Moby Dick, even though I did fail the test as a result
Here’s to you conquering the whale!
lilly´s last blog ..Virtual Advent Tour 2009 -Christmas Eve Dinner
You DO tell eloquently upon your cause.
Care´s last blog ..31 Hours
I would hate for you to judge all classics based on Moby Dick. It’s the epidome of horrible classics for me, too, and I love classics. There are so many that aren’t long, boring, or difficult!!
Amanda´s last blog ..Purge
You know, it would be okay if you quit. You certainly don’t seem to be enjoying it and it was meant to be fun.
Ti´s last blog ..Review, Book Tour & GIVEAWAY: When She Flew
You are so much a “better” person than I am. I just can’t get myself to tackle this book. War and Peace is another one I have a bit of guilt over.
Helen´s last blog ..It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Good luck with Moby Dick. I haven’t read it, and although I know it’s a classic, never plan to. I’ve been looking around through your blog and really am enjoying it. Love the name too! I just am starting my own book blog and trying to see how others format theirs. From contests to blog tours, there is so much to learn! I hope to come back and visit your again soon! Take care.
Julie
oh, the shame…my eyes were bleeding at the excerpt and i’m an english major. mwa ha ha.
good luck and stay the course. i’ll take the sparknotes.
You’ve gotten much further than I would have. (Especially considering I’ve never even started it).
Ali (worducopia)´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: a review in the post-holiday lull
This has always seemed to me like a book that “should” be tackled by serious readers. But I’ve heard that it’s pretty slow going. I’m impressed with your persistence. It’s somewhere on my TBR list, but not high up there.
Jessica´s last blog ..The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
lol. I’m hopelessly behind yet again. Not good to be less than impressed and yet still have so far to go… Definitely making me want to get back to the book…NOT!
Darlene´s last blog ..Book Review: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
~LOL~ I’m laughing WITH you, not AT you … really I am! ~LOL~ This book was torture for me in the audio version and with that I could sort of tune out from time to time. I hate to tell you this (actually, I’m quite enjoying myself) but there are LOTS more of those Cetalogy chapters to come …
Heather J.´s last blog ..Books & Movies: Moll Flanders
I didn’t read any of your post in case of spoilers, but I just bought Moby Dick on the recommendation of a friend. I’m curious to see how it is!
She´s last blog ..Sunday Salon- 2009 Best!
I’m not going to read this book ever. You guys have convinced me I don’t need to and I don’t feel bad about it. Why are you torturing yourself?
Jenners´s last blog ..10 Best Books I Read This Year