- description
- # CHAPTER XI. THE PURSUIT OF POETRY UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
## Overview
Chapter XI, titled "The Pursuit of Poetry Under Difficulties," is a section of the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ). This chapter was extracted from the file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY) and is part of the larger [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. It follows Chapter X, "From Pockets to Pickpockets," and precedes Chapter XII, "The Good or Bad Temper of Men-of-War’s Men, in a Great Degree, Attributable to Their Particular Stations and Duties Aboard Ship."
## Context
This chapter is situated within Herman Melville's novel *White-Jacket*, which offers a satirical look at life aboard a U.S. naval vessel in the mid-19th century. The narrative focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, an officer-in-training, and his observations of the crew. This particular chapter delves into the challenges faced by a sailor with literary aspirations.
## Contents
Chapter XI details the struggles of a sailor named Lemsford, who is a poet. Despite the harsh and demanding environment of a man-of-war, Lemsford dedicates his limited free time to writing verse. The chapter highlights the contrast between his artistic pursuits and the practical, often rough, realities of naval life. It describes how his shipmates perceive his passion, with some viewing him as eccentric or even mad. The narrative also touches upon the difficulties Lemsford faces in protecting his manuscripts from damage and confiscation by the ship's authorities, particularly a vigilant quarter-gunner named Quoin. The chapter further mentions another sailor who kept a journal of the cruise, complete with illustrations, which was ultimately confiscated and destroyed by naval officers.
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- CHAPTER XI. THE PURSUIT OF POETRY UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
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- title
- CHAPTER XI. THE PURSUIT OF POETRY UNDER DIFFICULTIES.