.
However, Ishmael knows that he can not live in his fantasy of felicity-"squeezing sperm forever". He goes on to say: Would that I could keep squeezing that sperm for ever! For now, since by many prolonged repeated experiences, I have perceived that in all cases man must eventually lower, or at least, his conceit of attainable felicity; not placing it anywhere in the intellect or the fancy; but in the wife, the heart, the bed, the table, the saddle, the fire-side, the country; now that I have perceived all this, I am ready to squeeze case eternally. In the thoughts of the visions of the night, I saw long rows of angels in paradise, each with his hands in a jar of spermaceti (323).
Ishmael realizes that if he were to be a countryman then he must dispel his true felicity. He must get married to a woman, own property and attain to "manly" things. This would not allow him to continue or entertain homosexual relationships. Being a countryman isn't something he wants to become. He disregards the idea of being a countryman because he states he is ready to "squeeze eternally". He is ready to live in fulfillment of his true felicities. Undoubtedly, Ishmael wants this to be a never ending reality for him. Therefore, the sea is a place which he feels free to be himself and being able to do what makes him happy- which is engaging in homosexual activities. This can be done without any consequences or judgment from the other seamen. It is evident that Melville is questioning the essence of happiness or "felicities". He plays on the reasoning of whether or not it is worth it to settle for what makes the individual truly happy considering the different factors which can cause opposition in order for you to do so. .
Queequeg and Ishmael's relationship evolves to an increasingly erotic, sensual and passionate attachment. On the surface it appears to be homoerotic relationship.