MOBY DICK

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Based on the text in the image provided, here is a breakdown of the key facts regarding the inspirations behind Herman Melville's Moby-Dick (1851):

The Real-Life "White Whales"

The novel's titular creature was actually based on two distinct real-life inspirations:

• Mocha Dick: An albino sperm whale that lived off the coast of Chile in the early 19th century.

  • The Legend: He survived encounters with over 100 ships.

  • Appearance: He had white skin and was described in 1839 as being covered in "not less than 20 harpoons," which the text calls "rusted mementos" of past battles.

  • Temperament: He was known for having a fierce temper.

• The Sinking of the Essex (1820): This event provided the dramatic core of a whale attacking a ship.

  • The Incident: An unusually large sperm whale began circling the vessel.

  • First-Hand Account: First mate Owen Chase described the creature as being "enveloped in the foam of the sea."