We have
been told that certain instances in Moby~Dick
can be read as references to homosexual relations among the members of the
Pequod. None of these instances had occurred to me until chapter 94, entitled “A
Squeeze of the Hand.” In this chapter, Ishmael related the experience of
squeezing lumps of congealed spermaceti back into their liquid state. To me, it
seemed that his description of this process was a metaphor for his developing
homosexual relations with his fellow Pequod crew. Ishmael begins by describing
the process as a “sweet and unctuous duty!” and proceeds to describe how he
squeezed all morning long and “melted into it” until “a strange sort of
insanity came over me; and I found myself unwittingly squeezing my co-laborers’
hands in it…Such an abounding, affectionate, friendly, loving feeling did this
avocation beget; that at last I was continually squeezing their hands, and
looking up into their eyes sentimentally”.
Other may make of this passage what
they will, but it seems that Ishmael is certainly relating the development of homosexual
relations with his crew by describing his ecstasy in the squeezing process. He
also harbors no regret over his actions, saying “Come; let us squeeze hands all
round; nay, let us all squeeze ourselves into each other; let us squeeze
ourselves universally into the very milk and sperm of kindness.” Furthermore,
Ishmael declares that all men must lower his conceit of attainable felicity,
implying that we must find happiness wherever we can, even if it is not ideal. This
is a difficult subject to discuss formally, but I look forward to hearing
responses as to what we can make of Ishmael’s and the crew’s homosexual
relations, if anything at all.
Chase, I couldn't agree more. Like we discussed in class there are definite homosexual tones throughout the novel and suggestive incidents. Q. and I's relationship from the beginning of the novel was one of a married couple. I must wonder what the readers in 1851 thought about the suggestive homosexual relationship or if they recognized it. We have come so far today in embracing homosexuality, legalizing gay marriage and accomplishing other milestones that were not even thought of in the 1800's.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that homosexual undertones clearly exist in the novel. The chapter Chase points out provides a clear example of this case. As we have discussed in class, several other scenes bring the reader to this conclusion, from Queequeg and Ishmael sharing a bed in the beginning of the novel, to the two being linked together with a monkey-rope as if they were married. Barbre brings up an interesting point in wondering whether people in 1851 gathered this same theme from the book and their view of it. A quick google search reveals that there is a strong chance that Melville himself was most likely a closeted homosexual, as is revealed through a series of letters to Nathaniel Hawthorne. In these letters, Melville uses much of the same phrasing and tone as is found in Chapter 94 in describing his relationship with Hawthorne. Quoting from one of these letter:
ReplyDelete“I felt pantheist then—your heart beat in my ribs and mine in yours, and both in God’s. . . Whence come you, Hawthorne? By what right do you drink from my flagon of life? And when I put it to my lips—lo, they are yours and not mine. . . . Hence this infinite fraternity of feeling. . . . Ah! It’s a long stage, and no inn in sight, and night coming, and the body cold. But with you for a passenger, I am content and can be happy. . . .”
There are other paragraphs in these letters that describe the two’s relationship even more vividly and intense. Passages like these lead the reader to wonder whether Melville may in fact be projecting his own sexuality in his writing.
I definitely agree completely. There are several clear allusions to homosexual relationships throughout the novel. Like chase said the “A Squeeze of the Hand” chapter completely alluded to homosexual relationships among the crew members of the Pequod ship. The word choices that Ishmael uses further propel my inclination to think that he is referring to homosexual relations. Even at the beginning of the novel when Ishmael and Queeqeg share a bed at the inn, homosexual references were made when they woke up with Q having his arm over Ishmael when they wake up. I definitely am interested to see if the novel continues to reference these relations among crew members.
ReplyDeleteThe homosexual undertones in this book are very relevant. But what is so interesting to me is how such a book is considered such a great novel. Since if you look at history, our country especially has had a hard time getting over homosexual relations on the screen. Very sad actually. It seems this is why there are very few TV shows that include homosexual relationships that are serious in nature. (Not Modern Family). I suppose this is because, even after all the advancements we have made as society, homosexual understanding could be much improved. And although it definitely is, It is still shocking to me that all the times I have heard about Moby Dick, the gay undertones have never been mentioned. Yet anytime someone who is famous is gay, it is almost the first thing you hear about them. Just a thought.
ReplyDelete