The Moby-Dick Bible
< Back to the concordance

Symbolism › Butchers

Butchers

1 passage in the novel carry this mark, in the order they appear.

Doubtless one leading reason why the world declines honoring us whalemen, is this: they think that, at best, our vocation amounts to a butchering sort of business; and that when actively engaged therein, we are surrounded by all manner of defilements. Butchers we are, that is true. But butchers, also, and butchers of the bloodiest badge have been all Martial Commanders whom the world invariably delights to honor.

Chapter 24, The Advocate · verse 2

Read in context >