Seniors, this is my first post in the forum. Please point out mistakes (especially grammatical) in my attempt. Any constructive criticism will be welcomed.

This is precis of a paragraph from Moby Dick's book (I forgot the name


Call me Ishmael. Some years ago — never mind how long precisely — having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off — then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

PRECIS

Some years ago, Ishmael, in want of money, and due to disinterest in the world, decided to go on a sea voyage. It was his way of escaping from financial woes, sorrow, depression and fear of death. Voyage to sea was Ishmael's substitute for suicide. If people were aware of the simplicity of the act, they would have garnered feelings towards the ocean similar that of Ishmael's.

Title: Sea Voyage - a panacea for disappointment
Given Words: 204
Words after precis: 67