Chapter 72 Summary

In this chapter, Ishmael returns to his minute description of flensing the whale. He tells how Queequeg descends to the level of the whale, inserts the blubber hook into the original spade hole and then stays with the whale the whole time it is being stripped. As Queequeg's bowsman, it is Ishmael's duty to hold Queequeg up by what is referred to as the monkey rope. The rope is belted to both men, Queequeg at one end and Ishmael at the other. If Queequeg falls and sinks, Ishmael will go with him. In a footnote, Ishmael indicates it was Stubb who came up with this particular arrangement for the Pequod to ensure the "monkey", faithfulness and vigilance of the one holding the rope.

Queequeg finishes his business with the whale and climbs up the chains into the ship only to be met with...