Meaning: Decisions, balance, legal affairs.
Depiction: The Pequod, balanced by the head of a right whale on the starboard side and that of a sperm whale on the port or larboard side.
Text: Chapter 73- Stubb and Flask Kill a Right Whale, and Then Have a Talk Over Him (also several ensuing chapters all about the two whales' heads!)
“Didn’t I tell you so?” said Flask; “yes, you’ll soon see this right whale’s head hoisted up opposite that parmacetti’s.”
In good time, Flask’s saying proved true. As before, the Pequod steeply leaned over towards the sperm whale’s head, now, by the counterpoise of both heads, she regained her even keel; though sorely strained, you may well believe. So, when on one side you hoist in Locke’s head, you go over that way; but now, on the other side, hoist in Kant’s and you come back again; but in very poor plight. Thus, some minds for ever keep trimming boat. Oh, ye foolish! throw all these thunder-heads overboard, and then you will float light and right.
Comments: I am not 100% sure about the choice of this image. Yes, the whales' heads serve to balance the ship, but Ishmael observes that the burdened craft would float even better if both heads were simply thrown overboard.
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| Sperm whale head and spinal column/Wikimedia Commons |
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