Herman Melville book summaries

“Call me Ishmael.”

Opening line of the novel, spoken by the narrator as he introduces himself.

“Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul... then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.”

Ishmael explains his reasons for going to sea in the first chapter, 'Loomings.'

“I will not say as schoolboys do to bullies—Take some one of your own size; but I will say to you, 'I will not be a coward.”

Ishmael's internal resolve when he decides to face the unknown in the Spouter-Inn.

“From hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.”

Ahab's final words as he is dragged under by Moby Dick in the last chapter.

“It is not down on any map; true places never are.”

Ishmael reflects on the nature of true places, in the chapter 'The Carpet-Bag.'

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing.”

Stubb's optimistic fatalism, spoken in the chapter 'The Ship.'