Hey guys, just a little bit of housekeeping and a comment here.
First of all, did we ever change the schedule? If so, damn, I'm still behind; if not, I'm still behind--are we going to change it?
Second, I haven't been able to comment on the blog at all for the last couple of days. I don't know why--it won't let me choose who I want to post as. Are any of you having this problem? (If so, tell me about it in the comments!)
On to the topical part: I read The Affidavit today, and there's a footnote in my copy that I think is very interesting. Ishmael is talking about various accounts of whales sinking ships, and he mentions a guy named Captain D'Wolf and says, "I have the honor of being a nephew of his." According to my footnote, D'Wolf was a real person (as were the other figures mentioned in this chapter, I think), and he was Melville's uncle! Is this chapter being narrated by Melville? Is Melville simply modeling Ishmael after himself?
EDITING TO MAKE CLEAR: I can post OK; I just can't comment! No clue why. And since I can't comment, I'll say this here: Dad, I can't wait to see this moment you're talking about where you think Melville "draws back the curtain." I'm trying to think of what it might be, but I'm coming up with nothing.
Call me Ishmael (actually, I'm Herman Melville). But seriously, at the least I think Melville identifies with Ishmael. And there is a point later in the book when Melville pulls back the curtain and reveals himself for a moment.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your trouble posting. You have to be in the right place to post. I sometimes have trouble finding it - maybe that's your problem too? In the upper right-hand corner (almost obscured by the background) is "Sign In/Out". If you click on that you can sign in and then I think you go to the right place to post.
ReplyDeleteAlison *said* she was going to post a revised schedule (ahem!), but it hasn't happened yet. The only ones who AREN'T behind are the boys. Don't know why you're having trouble posting as yourself--but this post says its you. Just make sure you're signed in correctly.
ReplyDeleteJust for full disclosure, it's not like I remember the " draw back the curtain" moment from my last read 35 years ago. It's mentioned at the beginning of "Why Read Moby Dick" that I looked at at 57th Street Books. I'm looking forward to when we get there too.
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