"No fear; I like a good grip; I like to feel something in this slippery world that can hold, man."
Musing: This chapter of the book reads like a play - the two actors Ahab and the carpenter. Ahab's ivory leg recently shattered and he must rely on the carpenter to make him a new leg. Context is everything and nothing in this chapter. Ahab must have a replacement leg and he is angry and humiliated by his need for another person to help him - to touch him. It is clear the fitting of the leg is painful for Ahab. There is also an underlying thought that sometimes pain is the only way to feel safe in the world. Who can't relate to this quote?