The last three chapters of the novel contain some of the finest descriptions of dramatic action in American literature. They should be read as a unit. As the chase develops, Ahab becomes aware that Fedallah's prophecy is proving true in ways that the captain could not have anticipated.
Ahab has never doubted that his destiny is to confront the White Whale. Appropriately, he takes control of the chase from the beginning. Like a trained hound, he catches the scent of his prey during the night following his talk with Starbuck. At dawn, Ahab notices a smooth wake on the ocean, probably left by a large whale. The captain insists on taking the mainmast watch. He is not more than two-thirds of the way to the top when he shouts, "There she blows! — there she blows! A hump like a snow-hill! It is Moby Dick!" The boats are lowered, but the White Whale soon sounds (dives) and disappears for an hour. Suddenly a flock of white birds grows excited and approaches Ahab's boat, indicating that the whale they follow is near. At first the captain sees nothing. Then, peering toward the depths, he notices a small white spot emerging. It grows. Soon it is huge. It is Moby Dick. Ahab attempts evasion. It is too late. The enormous jaws of the White Whale chop his boat in two: "[A]s if perceiving this stratagem, Moby Dick, with that malicious intelligence ascribed to him, … in the manner of a biting shark, slowly and feelingly taking its [the boat's] bows full within his mouth, … shook the slight cedar as a mildly cruel cat her mouse … . [and] bit the craft completely in twain." Ahab is rescued, but that day's hunt is over.
