How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
In several works descriptive of the islands in the Pacific, many of the most beautiful combinations of vocal sounds have been altogether lost to the ear of the reader by an over-attention to the ordinary rules of spelling. (Preface.4)
Melville was forced to continue this, just by writing the words down. How do you think he felt doing it?
Quote #2
Over all the landscape there reigned the most hushed repose, which I almost feared to break, lest, like the enchanted gardens in the fairy tale, a single syllable might dissolve the spell. (7.46)
For a moment here, it's almost like spoken language is something that exists outside of the Marquesas, only out in the "civilized world." Of course that's not true.
Quote #3
I then uttered a few words of their language with which I was acquainted, scarcely expected that they would understand me, but to show that we had not dropped from the clouds upon them. (10.11)
What non-Spanish speaker, in a room or nation full of fluent folks, hasn't tried the ol' "No habla Español," (or similar), and then hoped for the best?
Quote #4
What a transition! The dark figures around us leaped to their feet, clapped their hands in transport, and shouted again and again the talismanic syllables, the utterance of which appeared to have settled everything. (10.25)
At first, non-verbal gestures are the best way for Tommo and Toby to communicate. What are things you do when you meet strangers, to put them at ease?
Quote #5
I compromised the matter with him at the word 'Tommo'; and by that name I went during the entire period of my stay in the valley. (10.27)
A name is something that can signify belonging. Is Tommo being welcomed here?
Quote #6
This was the vocal telegraph of the islanders; by means of which condensed items of information could be carried in a very few minutes from the sea to their remotest habitation, a distance of at least eight or nine miles. (10.39)
Before telephones, it took more than two people to have a conversation. How many depended how far apart they were. (What happened if you wanted to tell someone a secret?)
Quote #7
I could not but be amused at the manner in which the chief addressed me upon this occasion, talking to me for at least fifteen or twenty minutes as calmly as if I could understand every word that he said. (11.19)
Sometimes this is what it feels like when our smartest friend explains what she's been reading lately.
Quote #8
[...] they had no word in their language to express the idea of virtue. (17.13)
This may feel a little harsh, but remember, the idea of virtue might simply be more necessary in societies who are interested in trying to figure out if someone is going to Heaven or not.
Quote #9
The natural quickness of the savage had been wonderfully improved by his intercourse with the white men, and his partial knowledge of a foreign language gave him a great ascendancy over his less accomplished countrymen. (18.39)
"Less accomplished"? We wonder if Tommo's being a bit biased here.
Quote #10
He placed his arm upon my shoulder, and emphatically pronounced the only two English words I had taught him 'Home' and 'Mother'. (34.15)
Say…this scene reminds us of something. "Home" seems to be a universal word and concept.