In the previous chapters we are introduced to the product “ambergris”—a rare wax-like substance that is used in a multitude of different luxury items such as perfumes and hair products. The rarity of this material being that it is sourced specifically and only from the digestive tract of a deceased whale.
This process of obtaining this substance is both grotesque and strenuous, highlighting the importance and power of the labor force in acquiring these essential elements. Drawing attention specifically to the class structure of the society by contrasting between showing the labor used vs. the final products.
How hard these items are to obtain versus their mundane use in everyday life demonstrates the disparities between the working class and the upper class while also showcasing the upper classes’ intrinsic necessity and connectivity to the working class.
“Who would think, then, that such fine ladies and gentlemen should regale themselves with an essence found in the inglorious bowels of a sick whale! Yet so it is.” (447).
This quote encapsulates the upper-class need for the working class while also demonstrating their disconnection to this very fact. The items they use—are attributed to the work of others, and without that–they cannot have their luxuries. This quote frames the so-called “fine ladies and gentlemen” as ignorant to the fact of where their items come from. However, this disconnect or ignorance is purposeful, as to not acknowledge the necessity of the working class. The upper class is built on their labor, and to acknowledge it would mean to expose it and potentially alter their station or the very structure of the social order. The upper class do not want the lower class to know how much they depend on them or how powerful they truly are in maintaining their society. However, the desire for ambergris shatters this allusion of power—for only the whalers are capable of such feats, and therefore—capable of so much more.
Hi, Athena. You picked a super interesting quote. While it is not the highlight of the novel, it is mentioned multiple times and given lengthy chapters that delve into the disconnect between the upper and the working class, as seen prior to this chapter in the mention of bi-peds wandering through the market strung with deceased quadropeds. Melville’s constant discussion about the upper class being dependant on the working class is still relatable to this day; and the means of the working class supplying the upper class with their luxuries by doing all the dirty work does put into perspective how the working class is more than a necessity, and has the means of stopping the accesibilities that the upper class has.
Great Marxist reading of this part of the novel and, perhaps, the novel as a whole: “The upper class is built on their labor, and to acknowledge it would mean to expose it and potentially alter their station or the very structure of the social order.” Great insight and argument– a kernel for a close reading or final essay, for sure!
Hi Athena! I thought this chapter and the conversation of the substance that makes up ambergris was so interesting. He mentions that it’s the product of a sick whale, and yet is the main ingredient in a very costly beauty product. It made me think of the sickness of the whale, being smeared onto the wealthy who pay so much for it. Melville is a genius by calling to attention how the sickness of the whale is reflected in the society which consumes it.
The whole ambergis situation revealed in the book also reminded me about that one chapter where Ishmael reveals Stubb eating his whale meat and telling us that all our things originated from the whale. It really does put into perspective how primal people really are when it comes to maintaining that social divide for their benefit, and the reality that they are able to hide it as opposed to animals, who continue to be thrown under the bus in light of who is primal and who is civil. In a way, the social divide devices what is upper class civility versus working class civility; and our world works on constructed biases to keep the “peace”– division.