In class we had to do something boring with a passage from Moby Dick. So naturally I did something completely different and absent-mindedly wrote a new ending. I jumped in the middle of a random word in a random sentence on a random page and finished Moby Dick off for good. It's probably pretty easy to tell where I jumped in and helped Melville out.
And thus, through the courage and great skill in obstetrics of Queequeg, the deliverance, or rather, delivery of Tashtego, was successfully accomplished, in the teeth, too, of the most untoward and apparently hopeless impediments; which is a lesson by no means to be forgotten. Midwifery should be taught in the same course with fencing and boxing, riding and rowing.
I know that this queer adventure of the Gay-Header's will be sure to seem incredible to some landsmen, though they themselves simply do not understand the beauty of the creatures. I'm not sure I understand it either, though it enthralls me. I will never properly entomb its beauty in these inky words for there is not paper enough to describe an encounter with one of these creatures. Perhaps some things full of beauty should be left alone and the greatest book will be a simple book of instructions and directions. For beauty go here; for an experience do this; consult Google Maps for further information (although Mapquest isn't bad). Satellite view would be best.
Regardless, put down this book and pick up your keys or put on your shoes for God's sake. Check out the primary sources, you won't be disappointed if you just try. I can only show so much, the rest is up to you. Whales don't read books. And it looks like they have a grand old time. They swim the oceans with friends and family. And then this guy comes along and tries to kill a jolly old whale.
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