Chpt 16 analysis - Hannah Robinson
"Pequod"
When Ishmael arrives in Nantucket he ventures out to find a whaling boat to sail on. The boat he decides to sail and work on is called the Pequod. Pequod was named after the Algonquian-speaking Pequod tribe of Native Americans who live in New England but where annihilated by the Pequod War. The name "Pequod" for the boat of Ishmael and Queequeg may possibly foreshadow the events the crew and captains will encounter while at sea. This Pequod is jointly owned; the major owners are Captain Ahab, Captain Bilbad, and Captain Peleg. The smaller owners are unspecified citizens mostly "widows and orphans" of men who died at sea.
"Captain Peleg"
Captain Peleg is one of the main owners of the Pequod. Captain Peleg is the main man whom Ishmael consults in trying to get a job as a sailor on the Pequod. Peleg is a biblical name one of the two sons of Eber in the lineage of Jacob. It means "split" in Hebrew. This "split" could describe the ownership of the boat or possibly a split in the crew to come. (Peleg is also a Quaker)
"Captain Ahab"
Captain Ahab is another main owner of the Pequod; however, Ishmael never meets this captain. The background of this name is from the Bible. Ahab was a hostile and violent king of Israel. Ahab is negatively influenced greatly by his wife Jezebel to stray away from God to pagan worship and to stone men because Jezebel. Before Ahab is able to repent for his deeds he is killed in battle just as a prophet foretold. This name Ahab has much negative and frightening meaning behind it which might instigate some of the feelings Ishmael feels and thinks about Ahab even before Ishmael meets him.
"Captain Bildad"
Captain Bildad was the other third major owner of the ship "Pequod". Bildad is the man Ishmael finally is examined by to see if he is worthy to serve on the Pequod. Bildad is also the one who trys to give Ishmael 725th or 700th lay; however Pequod changes the lay to something much more reasonable. Bildad means son of contention. Bildad is a shunite in the Bible one of Job's three friends. Bildad's intent in talking to Job in the Bible is consolation but he becomes an accuser asking what Job has done to deserve God's wrath. This accusing might be characterized in Bildad's extreme Quaker religious beliefs; he might condemn nayone who does not follow his beliefs or talk as he does.
"Quaker"
Quaker is a certain religion commonly called the Religious Society of Friends. This religion had no creeds or hierarchical structures, rather they believe every person has a direct and personal relationship with God without a priest or minister, friends in Quaker religious are the "inner light", and the nature of God is love. Knowing this Quaker religion is good background because all three captains of the Pequod are Quakers. This religion affects their everyday life: how they speak and the choices they make. "dost thou" is and example of the Quaker way of speaking. This articulation of the English language is based off the 17th century English translation of the Bible; which Quakers study often.
"Yojo and Queequeg"
Yojo is Queequeg's pagan wood idol who says the Ishmael should be the one to chose the boat on which they will sail. This pagan idolatry may cause problems to come with the Quaker captains of the boat.
Ch. 16 analysis - Nathan Sheptock
"this plan of Queequeg's, or rather Yojo's, touching the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all"- This text refers to Queequeg's insisting that the selection of the ship which they are to sail on should be left entirely to Ishmael. This could reflect the complete and utter reliance Queequeg has on Ishmael now that they are, as he states, "married" and he would now gladly entrust his life to Ishmael. He firmly believes Ishmael wouldn't knowingly choose a ship that he himself wouldn't feel safe on, and that he now views Queequeg's life as important as his own.
The Pequod- This was the name of a Native American tribe, the Pequots, who met their end at the hands of English settlers, and could symbolize the similar fate of the Pequod, which could very well "meet its end" at the hands of the sea.
Peleg- This is a reference to a biblical character who lived during the time of a world "divided" among the sons of Noah. This could refer to a divisions between many aspects of the novel, such as between the seamen and Ishmael, the ship itself and the vast ocean in which it sails, or its representation of mankind in contrast with the representation of nature or God by Moby Dick, among numerous other discrepancies.
Ch.10 analysis - Nathan Sheptock
After watching Queequeg working quietly for some time, Ishmael begins to feel a "melting," as he says, inside, which could symbolize a sort of breaking down of prefabricated thoughts or impressions of those less civilized than people like himself, an new view of those so-called "savages" as, in fact, very much like himself, even better in a sense. The "marriage" could be viewed as a link which from that time on bonded them on a spiritual level, so close now that they would freely offer their lives to one another. This action is the most important in solidifying their friendship within the story. Ishmael is now more accepting of Queequeg's alternate lifestyle, no longer viewing it as an uncivilized one, fit for a heathen, but rather as a somewhat pure, simple one, untainted by the "civilized hypocrisies and bland deceits" which plagues the modern lifestyles of his world today. He is "redeemed, in a sense, by Queequeg in that his pure lifestyle, despite the obvious uncivilized nature which it was fashioned on, has "saved" him from relenting to a deceitful "wolfish" world, which had so far splintered his heart and maddened his hand enough to turn him away from the world, to lose hope it its future. This simple "savage" gave him hope enough to see a possible future for the majority living in his time if they could only take in a part of the pure simplicity with which he lived, and use it to "purify" their own lives so they may find hope also.
Chpt 10 Response - Hannah Robinson
Ishmael's psychologically changes from being a hardened person to being soothed by the savage. The "melting" within comes about from the change of Ishmael's "splintered heart and maddened hang". Queequeg has shown him no hypocrisies and no "blan deciets". Ishmael's heart has been changed to become best friends with a man he put up such a wall against in the beginning. Ishmael has realized why does he need to put up such a wall when Christians have showed at many times little to no kindness.
The "marriage" between Ishmael and Queequeg is what is described as a "bosom friendship". I believe that this term is used because Queequeg and Ishmael's friendship will eventually and has maybe already become the union of two person's into one that marriage provides. Ishmael has accepted a friendship that will last from that point in the story on till one or the other "breathes their last breath".
Many Christians are hard hearted and critical of pagans, defining pagans as savages who will end up going to hell. After Ishmael, however, realizes the true honest heart and kindness of Queequeg,a pagan, Ishmael becomes a changed man. Christians usually are the ones who go about trying to convert the pagan's and those of other religions to Christianity, attempting to save them from the destiny of hell. Ironically however in Chapter 10 Ishmael is ultimately saved, redeemed, and changed by Queequeg, a pagan.
Hannah Robinson
Nekyia - Hannah Robinson
Nekyia as defined by the Wikipedia Encyclopidia is a Greek term meaning "the journey into the night". Nekyia refers to the chapter of the Odyssey in which Odysseus descends to the underworld to discuss with the prophet Teiresias on how to get back home. This descent, resurrection, and discovery that characterizes Nekyia occurs many times in literature. Other examples include Moby Dick and stories of Scripture. One particular story of Nekyia in Scripture is the story of Jonah and the whale. Jonah descends to the bottom of the ocean after being swallowed by a whale, he arises after the discovery that God is real and he does need to spread God's word.
Hannah Robinson
chapter 16- Alissa davis
". . .this plan of Queequeg's, or rather Yojo's, touching the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all". Ishmael doubts that Yogo can make a decision about what ship they are supposed to get on because Ishmael rather likes to rely on his instincts.
The Pequod is a reference to the Indian fort that was attacked periodically by the Puritans and was eventually destroyed. This example of forshadowing in the name of the ship suggests a disastrous outcome. However, Ishmael chooses this ship not because of its name but because of its antiquity and attraction. http://www.pthompson.addr.com/moby/mason.htm
Captain Peleg also has a symbolic name. In the Bible, Peleg was recorded by Noah as the "division of the earth" in reference to the tower of Babel. This suggests that the crew will be divided in some way and a schism will occur. Captain Ahab refers to the king of Israel who built a temple and allowed idol worship in Samaria. Greed was Ahab's idol which he worshipped. He was doomed because of this character flaw. Captain Bildad is also a name from the bible who was known as the Shuite and took part each of the three controversies into which Job's friends entered with him. He will be the one accusing someone of being wrong, but in reality he will be the one who is incorrect and ingracious to someone he thinks is unworthy. http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/bildad.html
Both Peleg and Bildad are quakers. The Quakers came to the new world because they were dissatisfied with the church. Because their names are from the old testament, it suggests that the quakers are rooted in the tradition of the church and were not happy about the revolution in England. Queequeg and Ishmael relate to the quakers because although they are outsiders, they feel a bit of dissatisfaction about Christianity.
As I walked away, I was full of thoughtfulness; what had been incidentally revealed to me of Captain Ahab, filled me with a certain wild vagueness of painfulness concerning him. And somehow, at the time, I felt a sympathy and a sorrow for him, but for I don't know what, unless it was the cruel loss of his leg. And yet I also felt a strange awe of him; but that sort of awe, which I cannot at all describe, was not exactly awe; I do not know what it was. But I felt it; and it did not disincline me towards him; though I felt impatience at what seemed like mystery in him, so imperfectly as he was known to me then. However, my thoughts were at length carried in other directions, so that for the present dark Ahab slipped my mind. To Ishmael, there is a dark sense of foreboding but also enticement about Captain Ahab. But he doesnt really have time to think about what might happen.
Alissa Davis and Lindsay Miller
Chapter XVI: The Ship (Rebecca Hall, Alex Wikoff, Corinne McConnell)
Interpretations of Bold Terms in Chapter XVI:
". . .this plan of Queequeg's, or rather Yojo's, touching the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all": Queequeg's idol has suggested that Ishmael search for a ship for their voyage alone. Ishmael expresses his dismay at Yojo's plan explaining that he has relied on Queequeg's good judgment thus far and the idea of holding sole responsibility for such an undertaking is understandably frightening to Ishmael. Ishmael states ". . .[I] accordingly prepared to set about this business with a determined rushing sort of energy and vigor, that should quickly settle that trifling little affair." The author seems to dismiss the notion that choosing a vessel for their voyage is a large undertaking at all calling it a "trifling little affair." As discussed below, if we believe in the notion of destiny as is implied in the novel, the name of the ship (The Pequoud) has a direct conotation to the fate of the ship and its crew, therefore making it anything but a "trifling little affair."
Pequod: Ishmael selects the Pequod out of three ships avaliable for a three year voyage. The ship is dubbed after the Native American tribe who inhabited New England during the 17th century and later annihilated during the Pequot war. The reference to a doomed tribe may ironically foreshadow the fate of the ship and the crew itself.
Peleg: Ancestor of the Hebrews. During the time of Peleg the "earth was divided." This can either be taken literally (the seperation of Pangaea) or patriarchal division of Eastern hemisphere. One of the owners of the Pequod in Moby Dick.
Quaker: The Quaker religion was formed by people who were dissatisfied with the Christian religion, perhaps alluding the Queequeg's alleged ism and dissatisfaction with the Christian religion himself.
dost thou: Quakers used thee as an ordinary pronoun, this and the mention of the man's Quaker style of dress leads us to the logical conclusion that he may be a Quaker himself.
Captain Ahab: Becomes the Captain of the Pequod in Moby Dick. In the Bible, the king of the Kingdom of Israel.
Bildad: One of Job's friends in the Bible. His intent is consolation, but becomes the accuser asking Job what he has done to deserve God's wrath. Means "son of contention."
Written By: Rebecca Hall, Molly Senkowski, Corinne McConnell andAlex Wikoff
Bibliography: Mason, John. "History of the Peqoud." Home Port. 1638. 26 Sept. 2006 http://www.pthompson.addr.com/moby/mason.htm. Konig, George. "Biblical People: Ahab (King of Israel)." Bible Prophecy. 2001. 22 Sept. 2006 http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p122.htm. "Bildad (WebBible Encyclopedia)." Christian Answers Network. 2006. 25 Sept. 2006 http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/bildad.html.
Chapter 16
Kelly Snyder, Anh Nguyen, Ellen Wagner, Melissa Hampton.
Ishmael doesn't like Queequeg's idea, which is really Yogo's idea, even though Queequeg puts a lot of confidence into it. Ishmael knows that Yogo means well, but he doesn't think that the idea that Yogo has will work and if it does, it won't work out well. Peqoud is the fictional 19th century Nantucket whaling ship commanded by Captain Ahab. This is the ship that Ishmael and Queequeg went on for the whaling trip. The Peqoud is a symbol of doom ( sparknotes.com). It is painted black and covered in bones. It comes from the Indian tribe, the Pequots. Ahab is the tyrannical captain of the Pequod who is driven by a monomaniacal desire to kill Moby Dick, the whale to whom he lost his leg. Ahab believes he is fated to kill Moby Dick and lives for this purpose alone. Ahab's name may be inspired by the bibical King Ahab, who was tempted by his wealthy wife Jezebel to stray from worshipping God alone, just as Ahab was lured by the material world into a quest which ultimately deprived him of his humanity(wikipedia). Peleg is the one of the two sons of Eber. In Moby-Dick, he is one of the captains and owners of the Pequod. Quakers are a religious society of Friends started in 17th century England because they were not satisfied with the sects of Christianity. Dost thou means do you. Bildad is another one of the Quaker captains and another owner of the ship. In the last paragraph, Ishmael figures out that Ahab is actually human and his view on him has changed. He realized what had happened Ahab had really changed him and that he has sympathy for him. Ishmael also has awe for Ahab because of his determination for him. He was ly revealed of the painfulness that Ahab had experienced and with that he could sympathize with Ahab. Ishmael was impatient as to find out more about Captain Ahab, but soon after, the thoughts of Ahab slipped his mind whenever he had moved on from it as his thoughts carried him off into another direction.
Ch 16 Bold's - Caroline and Amy
Queequeg's plan for Ishmael to pick out the ship that they would be sailing on did not sit well with Ishmael. Ishmael does not like the fact that Yojo, Queequeg's idol, is planning their voyage and perhaps their fate. Ishmael does not have the expertise that Queequeg has gained over the last 3 years at sea. Queequeg feels inferior to Ishmael's civilization, and he also did not have faith in himself to make a good decision. Ishmael chooses Pequod, a ship that is old but also sturdy and reliable, since the Quakers had built it. The Quakers represent a simple yet consistent lifestyle, similar to the one lifestyle aboard a whaling vessel. Pequod is also the name of an Indian tribe that was razed during the 17th century. This could foreshadow the doomed fate of the shipmates abored the Pequod. Queequeg has placed his trust in Ishmael's decision of this vessel and in determining his fate. Captain Ahab commands the Pequod, and Peleg is the owner of the ship having crafted it geniously. Ahab lost his leg during a previous whaling voyage; this is something that Ishmael respects and sympathizes. Ahab, in bibical times, was a wicked king of Israel, and again this is a Biblical reference to Ahab's past and his downfall. Peleg also comes from Biblical times; he was one of the sons of Eber, ancestor of the Hebrews. Captain Bildad is also an owner of the ship, and like Peleg, the name comes from Biblical times. Bildad means "son of contention" in Hebrew, which according to Moby Dick foreshadows how Bildad butts heads with Peleg. Both men are Quakers "of vengeance" who do not require fancy clothing or other frivolous things on the ship and resort to old, traditional ways of life.
ch.16 shimarah mehrotra and kelsey marsh
Upon Yojo's telling Queequeg that Ishmael alone should choose the craft for their whaling expedition, Ishmael feels very uncomfortable. It seems as if Ishmael relies heavily on Queequeg's guidance. Nevertheless, Ishmael succumbs to Yojo's suggestion and quickly sets out to fulfill Yojo's wishes. Ishmael has a choice between three ships- the Devil-Dam, Tid-Bit, and Pequod. He recalls that Pequod is the name of a Massachussetts Indian tribe. Just like Ishmael insisting that he must stay in an inn, he was not too keen on, he would choose a simple ship that would be just enough to get by, for it "
Ch. 16 Analysis Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
When Queequeg tells Ishmael that his idol, Yojo, believes that it would best if Ishmael alone picked their ship for the voyage. One can infer from this that Queequeg believes himself comparatively incompetent to Ishmael because Ishmael is more civilized than he. Yojo could represent Queequeg's conscience and innermost feelings.
In this chapter we are introduced to the ship on which Ishmael and Queequeg will be traveling, the Pequod. The ship is named for the Native American Pequot tribe. The Pequot tribe was destroyed by the New England colonists. This tribe was destined to be destroyed similar to the crew of the Pequod.
Captain Peleg is one of the owners of the Pequod. His name references a biblical character of the same name. During of the time of the biblical Peleg, it is said that the earth was divided either literally or symbolically between the sons of Noah. The name of this captain could symbolize a coming division of power or ideas in the ship's crew similar to the symbolic division of the earth.
Ishmael describes Captain Peleg's apparel as that of a Quaker. The Quaker style is completely covered and rather plain. Quakers live a simple lifestyle only using the necessities. This could show that Peleg will be a simple man and be a simple, static character.
The language used by Captain Peleg is archaic and could be another reference to the Quaker lifestyle. The significance of this reference could build upon the idea that Peleg will be a simple, unchanging character.
Captain Ahab's name is a biblical reference to an Old Testament king. King Ahab was doomed to be destroyed. This could imply that the Captain Ahab and his ship are destined to be destroyed just as King Ahab.
Bildad, one of the other owners of the Pequod, is another reference to the Old Testament. His name comes from the story of Job, Bildad being the one who accused Job of deserving God's wrath.
All of the Old Testament Biblical references display the Quaker views of God. Quakers see God as a strict, harsh God similar to the Old Testament as opposed to the more loving New Testament God.
Ishmael had a strange feeling about Ahab. He felt sorrow for Ahab, yet he did not know why. He had a strange admiration for Ahab that he described as a "strange awe of him." However, Ishmael quickly forgot about Ahab. Ahab probably has deeper underlying problems causing Ishmael to pity him. However, Ishmael also was in awe of him foreshadowing Ahab's importance.
Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
Chapter 16- (Dani Lewis and Chris Fitzer)
"this plan of Queequeg's, or rather Yojo's, touching the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all." This line expresses Ishmael's disbelief in the prospect of having yojo plan their voyage. As a Christian, he does not believe in the powers of this idol. Despite his lack of faith, he still respects Queequeg even though he believes that his religious practices are foolish.
"Pequod" is a reference to the native american tribe that used to inhabit the region around nantucket. These indians got into many quarrels with the puritans who colonized this area also. A fort here was also named pequot, referencing the same indians.
"Peleg" is the Hebrew word which translates as a division by water: an earthquake. Peleg was one of the two sons of eber, biblically referenced during the time of the fall of the tower of l, which also could have cause the rift of his namesake. the scientific idea of pangea also receives its name from this same term.
"Quaker" references the minimally designed clothing style worn by this captain. it visually references the simplistic nature of this captain. He is not an ostentatious captain that requires ornate decorations.
"Dost thou" in modern terms is asking "do you?" from this language/dialect, it can be assumed that this man is either from a british background or respects the traditions of the english language.
"Captain Ahab" is a reference to a king in the Old Testament whose marriage allowed him to attain great riches. Influenced by his wife, Jezebel, he built a temple containing idols of Baal. Elijah, the prophet, (also mentioned in Moby Dick) challenged the power of this false god, Baal, to the power of God. When Ahab and Elijah met atop Mt. Carmel, Ahab was unable to catch the sacrifice on fire through Baal, but with God's power Elijah set the sacrifice ablaze. Ahab was condemned as a er for Naboth, and became depressed. Fortunately the city's faith turned to Judaism. He was killed in battle by a stray arrow when he was disguised as a common soldier.
"Captain Bildad" is a reference to one of the three friends (amigos) of Job in the Bible. He is described as being a Shuhite and having the qualities of a sage. He is the contemplative friend who often questioned why Job deserved the wrath of God.
"paragraph" Ishmael after hearing the stories about Captain Ahab begins to pity him. He feels sorry for him most likely due to the loss of his leg. Yet Ishmael is in awe of him. He revels in how strong and ostentatious Ahab remains despite the severe troubles brought upon him. Ishmael seems to be aware of the revenge Ahab seeks, the revenge which might be the fuel for Ahab's proud facade. Ishmael also is confused by Ahab's mysterious character. He is intrigued with the uncertainty that is soon to be brought about with the introduction of this new captain.
Chapter 16- Kate P, Patrick C, Kyle S
Ishmael, after arriving in Nantucket, encounters three ships who are about to set sail on a three year long voyage. Ishmael chose to travel on the Pequod along with his comrad Queequeg. Herman Melville briefly mentions the destruction of the Pequots, an indian tribe/fort, as an allusion to the name of Ahab's ship, the Pequod. Captain Peleg is one of the main owners of the Pequod and is in charge of hiring the ship's crew. The word "peleg" actually means "division." Ishmael described the old man that he saw wearing a cloth "cut in the Quaker style." Quaker is a common name used to classify people who were involved in the Religious Society of Friends. The quote "what dost thou want of him?" translates into "what do you want of him." This type of speaking is common in the old English speaking folks. Captain Ahab is the crazy, egocentric captain of the Pequod. Captain Ahab represents and resembles the characteristics of an ancient hero (has a single fatal flaw:confidence) in the sense that he believes he is immune to the forces of nature. It is apparent that he thinks this because he is very overconfident and believes that his fate is to destroy the "evil" White Whale. Captain Bildad is also an ex-Quaker and partial owner of the Pequod. He is stingy when discussing ishamel's wage. Ishmael is drawn to Captain Ahab for some strange reason that he is not aware of. He says that it is not awe, but perhaps it is admiration or curiosity that makes him want to find out more about the Captain.
kate pennebaker patrick collins kyle smith
Analysis of Chapt. 16: Follow the bold terms
Chapter xvi
THE SHIP
In bed we concocted our plans for the morrow. But to my surprise and no small concern, Queequeg now gave me to understand, that he had been diligently consulting Yojo -- the name of his black little god -- and Yojo had told him two or three times over, and strongly insisted upon it everyway, that instead of our going together among the whaling-fleet in harbor, and in concert selecting our craft; instead of this, I say, Yojo earnestly enjoined that the selection of the ship should rest wholly with me, inasmuch as Yojo purposed befriending us; and, in order to do so, had already pitched upon a vessel, which, if left to myself, I, Ishmael, should infallibly light upon, for all the world as though it had turned out by chance; and in that vessel I must immediately ship myself, for the present irrespective of Queequeg.
I have forgotten to mention that, in many things, Queequeg placed great confidence in the excellence of Yojo's judgment and surprising forecast of things; and cherished Yojo with considerable esteem, as a rather good sort of god, who perhaps meant well enough upon the whole, but in all cases did not succeed in his benevolent designs.
Now, this plan of Queequeg's, or rather Yojo's, touching the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all. I had not a little relied on Queequeg's sagacity to point out the whaler best fitted to carry us and our fortunes securely. But as all my remonstrances produced no effect upon Queequeg, I was obliged to acquiesce; and accordingly prepared to set about this business with a determined rushing sort of energy and vigor, that should quickly settle that trifling little affair. Next morning early, leaving Queequeg shut up with Yojo in our little bedroom -- for it seemed that it was some sort of Lent or Ramadan, or day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer with Queequeg and Yojo that
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day; how it was I never could find out, for, though I applied myself to it several times, I never could master his liturgies and XXXIX Articles -- leaving Queequeg, then, fasting on his tomahawk pipe, and Yojo warming himself at his sacrificial fire of shavings, I sallied out among the shipping. After much prolonged sauntering and many random inquiries, I learnt that there were three ships up for three-years' voyages -- The Devil-Dam the Tit- bit, and the Pequod. Devil-dam, I do not know the origin of; Tit-bit is obvious; Pequod, you will no doubt remember, was the name of a celebrated tribe of Massachusetts Indians, now extinct as the ancient Medes. I peered and pryed about the Devil-Dam; from her, hopped over to the Tit-bit; and, finally, going on board the Pequod, looked around her for a moment, and then decided that this was the very ship for us.
You may have seen many a quaint craft in your day, for aught I know; -- squared-toed luggers; mountainous Japanese junks; butter-box galliots, and what not; but take my word for it, you never saw such a rare old craft as this same rare old Pequod. She was a ship of the old school, rather small if anything; with an old fashioned claw-footed look about her. Long seasoned and weather-stained in the typhoons and calms of all four oceans, her old hull's complexion was darkened like a French grenadier's, who has alike fought in Egypt and Siberia. Her venerable bows looked bearded. Her masts -- cut somewhere on the coast of Japan, where her original ones were lost overboard in a gale -- her masts stood stiffly up like the spines of the three old kings of Cologne. Her ancient decks were worn and wrinkled, like the pilgrim-worshipped flag-stone in Canterbury Cathedral where Beckett bled. But to all these her old antiquities, were added new and marvellous features, pertaining to the wild business that for more than half a century she had followed. Old Captain Peleg, many years her chief-mate, before he commanded another vessel of his own, and now a retired seaman, and one of the principal owners of the Pequod, -- this old Peleg, during the term of his chief-mateship, had built upon her original grotesqueness, and inlaid it, all over, with a quaintness both of material and device, unmatched by anything except it be Thorkill-Hake's carved buckler or bedstead. She was
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apparelled like any barbaric Ethiopian emperor, his neck heavy with pendants of polished ivory. She was a thing of trophies. A cannibal of a craft, tricking herself forth in the chased bones of her enemies. All round, her unpanelled, open bulwarks were garnished like one continuous jaw, with the long sharp teeth of the Sperm Whale, inserted there for pins, to fasten her old hempen thews and tendons to. Those thews ran not through base blocks of land wood, but deftly travelled over sheaves of sea-ivory. Scorning a turnstile wheel at her reverend helm, she sported there a tiller; and that tiller was in one mass, curiously carved from the long narrow lower jaw of her hereditary foe. The helmsman who steered by that tiller in a tempest, felt like the Tartar, when he holds back his fiery steed by clutching its jaw. A noble craft, but somehow a most melancholy! All noble things are touched with that.
Now when I looked about the quarter-deck, for some one having authority, in order to propose myself as a candidate for the voyage, at first I saw nobody; but I could not well overlook a strange sort of tent, or rather wigwam, pitched a little behind the main-mast. It seemed only a temporary erection used in port. It was of a conical shape, some ten feet high; consisting of the long, huge slabs of limber black bone taken from the middle and highest part of the jaws of the right-whale. Planted with their broad ends on the deck, a circle of these slabs laced together, mutually sloped towards each other, and at the apex united in a tufted point, where the loose hairy fibres waved to and fro like a top-knot on some old Pottowotamie Sachem's head. A triangular opening faced towards the bows of the ship, so that the insider commanded a complete view forward.
And half concealed in this queer tenement, I at length found one who by his aspect seemed to have authority; and who, it being noon, and the ship's work suspended, was now enjoying respite from the burden of command. He was seated on an old-fashioned oaken chair, wriggling all over with curious carving; and the bottom of which was formed of a stout interlacing of the same elastic stuff of which the wigwam was constructed.
There was nothing so very particular, perhaps, about the
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appearance of the elderly man I saw; he was brown and brawny, like most old seamen, and heavily rolled up in blue pilot-cloth, cut in the Quaker style; only there was a fine and almost microscopic net-work of the minutest wrinkles interlacing round his eyes, which must have arisen from his continual sailings in many hard gales, and always looking to windward; -- for this causes the muscles about the eyes to become pursed together. Such eye- wrinkles are very effectual in a scowl.
'Is this the Captain of the Pequod?' said I, advancing to the door of the tent.
'Supposing it be the Captain of the Pequod, what dost thou want of him?' he demanded.
'I was thinking of shipping.'
'Thou wast, wast thou? I see thou are no Nantucketer -- ever been in a stove boat?'
'No, Sir, I never have.'
'Dost know nothing at all about whaling, I dare say -- eh?'
'Nothing, Sir; but I have no doubt I shall soon learn. I've been several voyages in the merchant service, and I think that -- '
'Marchant service be damned. Talk not that lingo to me. Dost see that leg? -- I'll take that leg away from thy stern, if ever thou talkest of the marchant service to me again. Marchant service indeed! I suppose now ye feel considerable proud of having served in those marchant ships. But flukes! man, what makes thee want to go a whaling, eh? -- it looks a little suspicious, don't it, eh? -- Hast not been a pirate, hast thou? -- Didst not rob thy last Captain, didst thou? -- Dost not think of murdering the officers when thou gettest to sea?'
I protested my innocence of these things. I saw that under the mask of these half humorous inuendoes, this old seaman, as an insulated Quakerish Nantucketer, was full of his insular prejudices, and rather distrustful of all aliens, unless they hailed from Cape Cod or the Vineyard.
'But what takes thee a-whaling? I want to know that before I think of shipping ye.'
'Well, sir, I want to see what whaling is. I want to see the world.'
'Want to see what whaling is, eh? Have ye clapped eye on Captain Ahab?'
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'Who is Captain Ahab, sir?'
'Aye, aye, I thought so. Captain Ahab is the Captain of this ship.'
'I am mistaken then. I thought I was speaking to the Captain himself.'
'Thou art speaking to Captain Peleg -- that's who ye are speaking to, young man. It belongs to me and Captain Bildad to see the Pequod fitted out for the voyage, and supplied with all her needs, including crew. We are part owners and agents. But as I was going to say, if thou wantest to know what whaling is, as thou tellest ye do, I can put ye in a way of finding it out before ye bind yourself to it, past backing out. Clap eye on Captain Ahab, young man, and thou wilt find that he has only one leg.'
'What do you mean, sir? Was the other one lost by a whale?'
'Lost by a whale! Young man, come nearer to me: it was devoured, chewed up, crunched by the monstrousest parmacetty that ever chipped a boat! -- ah, ah!'
I was a little alarmed by his energy, perhaps also a little touched at the hearty grief in his concluding exclamation, but said as calmly as I could, 'What you say is no doubt true enough, sir; but how could I know there was any peculiar ferocity in that particular whale, though indeed I might have inferred as much from the simple fact of the accident.'
'Look ye now, young man, thy lungs are a sort of soft, d'ye see; thou dost not talk shark a bit. Sure, ye've been to sea before now; sure of that?'
'Sir,' said I, 'I thought I told you that I had been four voyages in the merchant -- '
'Hard down out of that! Mind what I said about the marchant service -- don't aggravate me -- I won't have it. But let us understand each other. I have given thee a hint about what whaling is; do ye yet feel inclined for it?'
'I do, sir.'
'Very good. Now, art thou the man to pitch a harpoon down a live whale's throat, and then jump after it? Answer, quick!'
'I am, sir, if it should be positively indispensable to do so; not to be got rid of, that is; which I don't take to be the fact.'
'Good again. Now then, thou not only wantest to go a-whaling, to find out by experience what whaling is, but ye also want to
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go in order to see the world? Was not that what ye said? I thought so. Well then, just step forward there, and take a peep over the weather-bow, and then back to me and tell me what ye see there.'
For a moment I stood a little puzzled by this curious request, not knowing exactly how to take it, whether humorously or in earnest. But concentrating all his crow's feet into one scowl, Captain Peleg started me on the errand.
Going forward and glancing over the weather bow, I perceived that the ship swinging to her anchor with the flood-tide, was now obliquely pointing towards the open ocean. The prospect was unlimited, but exceedingly monotonous and forbidding; not the slightest variety that I could see.
'Well, what's the report?' said Peleg when I came back; 'what did ye see?'
'Not much,' I replied -- 'nothing but water; considerable horizon though, and there's a squall coming up, I think.'
'Well, what dost thou think then of seeing the world? Do ye wish to go round Cape Horn to see any more of it, eh? Can't ye see the world where you stand?'
I was a little staggered, but go a-whaling I must, and I would; and the Pequod was as good a ship as any -- I thought the best -- and all this I now repeated to Peleg. Seeing me so determined, he expressed his willingness to ship me.
'And thou mayest as well sign the papers right off,' he added -- ' come along with ye.' And so saying, he led the way below deck into the cabin.
Seated on the transom was what seemed to me a most uncommon and surprising figure. It turned out to be Captain Bildad, who along with Captain Peleg was one of the largest owners of the vessel; the other shares, as is sometimes the case in these ports, being held by a crowd of old annuitants; widows, fatherless children, and chancery wards; each owning about the value of a timber head, or a foot of plank, or a nail or two in the ship. People in Nantucket invest their money in whaling vessels, the same way that you do yours in approved state stocks bringing in good interest.
Now, Bildad, like Peleg, and indeed many other Nantucketers,
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was a Quaker, the island having been originally settled by that sect; and to this day its inhabitants in general retain in an uncommon measure the peculiarities of the Quaker, only variously and anomalously modified by things altogether alien and heterogeneous. For some of these same Quakers are the most sanguinary of all sailors and whale-hunters. They are fighting Quakers; they are Quakers with a vengeance.
So that there are instances among them of men, who, named with Scripture names -- a singularly common fashion on the island -- and in childhood naturally imbibing the stately dramatic thee and thou of the Quaker idiom; still, from the audacious, daring, and boundless adventure of their subsequent lives, strangely blend with these unoutgrown peculiarities, a thousand bold dashes of character, not unworthy a Scandinavian sea-king, or a poetical Pagan Roman. And when these things unite in a man of greatly superior natural force, with a globular brain and a ponderous heart; who has also by the stillness and seclusion of many long night-watches in the remotest waters, and beneath constellations never seen here at the north, been led to think untraditionally and independently; receiving all nature's sweet or savage impressions fresh from her own virgin voluntary and confiding breast, and thereby chiefly, but with some help from accidental advantages, to learn a bold and nervous lofty language -- that man makes one in a whole nation's census -- a mighty pageant creature, formed for noble tragedies. Nor will it at all detract from him, dramatically regarded, if either by birth or other circumstances, he have what seems a half wilful overruling morbidness at the bottom of his nature. For all men tragically great are made so through a certain morbidness. Be sure of this, O young ambition, all mortal greatness is but disease. But, as yet we have not to do with such an one, but with quite another; and still a man, who, if indeed peculiar, it only results again from another phase of the Quaker, modified by individual circumstances.
Like Captain Peleg, Captain Bildad was a well-to-do, retired whaleman. But unlike Captain Peleg -- who cared not a rush for what are called serious things, and indeed deemed those selfsame serious things the veriest of all trifles -- Captain Bildad
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had not only been originally educated according to the strictest sect of Nantucket Quakerism, but all his subsequent ocean life, and the sight of many unclad, lovely island creatures, round the Horn -- all that had not moved this native born Quaker one single jot, had not so much as altered one angle of his vest. Still, for all this immutableness, was there some lack of common consistency about worthy Captain Bildad. Though refusing, from conscientious scruples, to bear arms against land invaders, yet himself had illimitably invaded the Atlantic and Pacific; and though a sworn foe to human bloodshed, yet had he in his straight-bodied coat, spilled tuns upon tuns of leviathan gore. How now in the contemplative evening of his days, the pious Bildad reconciled these things in the reminiscence, I do not know; but it did not seem to concern him much, and very probably he had long since come to the sage and sensible conclusion that a man's religion is one thing, and this practical world quite another. This world pays dividends. Rising from a little cabin-boy in short clothes of the drabbest drab, to a harpooneer in a broad shad-bellied waistcoat; from that becoming boat-header, chief-mate, and captain, and finally a ship-owner; Bildad, as I hinted before, had concluded his adventurous career by wholly retiring from active life at the goodly age of sixty, and dedicating his remaining days to the quiet receiving of his well-earned income.
Now Bildad, I am sorry to say, had the reputation of being an incorrigible old hunks, and in his sea-going days, a bitter, hard task-master. They told me in Nantucket, though it certainly seems a curious story, that when he sailed the old Categut whaleman, his crew, upon arriving home, were mostly all carried ashore to the hospital, sore exhausted and worn out. For a pious man, especially for a Quaker, he was certainly rather hard-hearted to say the least. He never used to swear, though, at his men, they said; but somehow he got an inordinate quantity of cruel, unmitigated hard work out of them. When Bildad was a chief-mate, to have his drab-colored eye intently looking at you, made you feel completely nervous, till you could clutch something -- a hammer or a marling-spike, and go to work like mad, at something or other, never mind what. Indolence and
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idleness perished from before him. His own person was the exact embodiment of his utilitarian character. On his long, gaunt body, he carried no spare flesh, no superfluous beard, his chin having a soft, economical nap to it, like the worn nap of his broad- brimmed hat.
Such, then, was the person that I saw seated on the transom when I followed Captain Peleg down into the cabin. The space between the decks was small; and there, bolt- upright, sat old Bildad, who always sat so, and never leaned, and this to save his coat tails. His broad-brim was placed beside him; his legs were stiffly crossed; his drab vesture was buttoned up to his chin; and spectacles on nose, he seemed absorbed in reading from a ponderous volume.
'Bildad,' cried Captain Peleg,' at it again, Bildad, eh? Ye have been studying those Scriptures, now, for the last thirty years, to my certain knowledge. How far ye got, Bildad?'
As if long habituated to such profane talk from his old shipmate, Bildad, without noticing his present irreverence, quietly looked up, and seeing me, glanced again inquiringly towards Peleg.
'He says he's our man, Bildad,' said Peleg,' he wants to ship.'
'Dost thee?' said Bildad, in a hollow tone, and turning round to me.
'I dost,' said I unconsciously, he was so intense a Quaker.
'What do ye think of him, Bildad?' said Peleg.
'He'll do,' said Bildad, eyeing me, and then went on spelling away at his book in a mumbling tone quite audible.
I thought him the queerest old Quaker I ever saw, especially as Peleg, his friend and old shipmate, seemed such a blusterer. But I said nothing, only looking round me sharply. Peleg now threw open a chest, and drawing forth the ship's articles, placed pen and ink before him, and seated himself at a little table. I began to think it was high time to settle with myself at what terms I would be willing to engage for the voyage. I was already aware that in the whaling business they paid no wages; but all hands, including the captain, received certain shares of the profits called lays, and that these lays were proportioned to the degree of importance pertaining to the respective duties of the ship's company.
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I was also aware that being a green hand at whaling, my own lay would not be very large; but considering that I was used to the sea, could steer a ship, splice a rope, and all that, I made no doubt that from all I had heard I should be offered at least the 275th lay -- that is, the 275th part of the clear nett proceeds of the voyage, whatever that might eventually amount to. And though the 275th lay was what they call a rather long lay, yet it was better than nothing; and if we had a lucky voyage, might pretty nearly pay for the clothing I would wear out on it, not to speak of my three years' beef and board, for which I would not have to pay one stiver.
It might be thought that this was a poor way to accumulate a princely fortune -- and so it was, a very poor way indeed. But I am one of those that never take on about princely fortunes, and am quite content if the world is ready to board and lodge me, while I am putting up at this grim sign of the Thunder Cloud. Upon the whole, I thought that the 275th lay would be about the fair thing, but would not have been surprised had I been offered the 200th, considering I was of a broad-shouldered make.
But one thing, nevertheless, that made me a little distrustful about receiving a generous share of the profits was this: Ashore, I had heard something of both Captain Peleg and his unaccountable old crony Bildad; how that they being the principal proprietors of the Pequod, therefore the other and more inconsiderable and scattered owners, left nearly the whole management of the ship's affairs to these two. And I did not know but what the stingy old Bildad might have a mighty deal to say about shipping hands, especially as I now found him on board the Pequod, quite at home there in the cabin, and reading his Bible as if at his own fireside. Now while Peleg was vainly trying to mend a pen with his jack-knife, old Bildad, to my no small surprise, considering that he was such an interested party in these proceedings; Bildad never heeded us, but went on mumbling to himself out of his book,' Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth -- '
'Well, Captain Bildad,' interrupted Peleg,' what d'ye say, what lay shall we give this young man?'
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'Thou knowest best,' was the sepulchral reply, 'the seven hundred and seventy-seventh wouldn't be too much, would it? -- "where moth and rust do corrupt, but lay -- "'
Lay, indeed, thought I, and such a lay! the seven hundred and seventy-seventh! Well, old Bildad, you are determined that I, for one, shall not lay up many lays here below, where moth and rust do corrupt. It was an exceedingly long lay that, indeed; and though from the magnitude of the figure it might at first deceive a landsman, yet the slightest consideration will show that though seven hundred and seventy-seven is a pretty large number, yet, when you come to make a teenth of it, you will then see, I say, that the seven hundred and seventy-seventh part of a farthing is a good deal less than seven hundred and seventy-seven gold doubloons; and so I thought at the time.
'Why, blast your eyes, Bildad,' cried Peleg, 'Thou dost not want to swindle this young man! he must have more than that.'
'Seven hundred and seventy-seventh,' again said Bildad, without lifting his eyes; and then went on mumbling -- 'for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'
'I am going to put him down for the three hundredth,' said Peleg, 'do ye hear that, Bildad! The three hundredth lay, I say.'
Bildad laid down his book, and turning solemnly towards him said, 'Captain Peleg, thou hast a generous heart; but thou must consider the duty thou owest to the other owners of this ship -- widows and orphans, many of them -- and that if we too abundantly reward the labors of this young man, we may be taking the bread from those widows and those orphans. The seven hundred and seventy-seventh lay, Captain Peleg.'
'Thou Bildad!' roared Peleg, starting up and clattering about the cabin. 'Blast ye, Captain Bildad, if I had followed thy advice in these matters, I would afore now had a conscience to lug about that would be heavy enough to founder the largest ship that ever sailed round Cape Horn.'
'Captain Peleg,' said Bildad steadily, 'thy conscience may be drawing ten inches of water, or ten fathoms, I can't tell; but as thou art still an impenitent man, captain Peleg, I greatly fear lest thy conscience be but a leaky one; and will in the end sink thee foundering down to the fiery pit, Captain Peleg.'
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'Fiery pit! fiery pit! ye insult me, man; past all natural bearing, ye insult me. It's an all-fired outrage to tell any human creature that he's bound to hell. Flukes and flames! Bildad, say that again to me, and start my soul-bolts, but I'll -- I'll -- yes, I'll swallow a live goat with all his hair and horns on. Out of the cabin, ye canting, drab-colored son of a wooden gun -- a straight wake with ye!'
As he thundered out this he made a rush at Bildad, but with a marvellous oblique, sliding celerity, Bildad for that time eluded him.
Alarmed at this terrible outburst between the two principal and responsible owners of the ship, and feeling half a mind to give up all idea of sailing in a vessel so questionably owned and temporarily commanded, I stepped aside from the door to give egress to Bildad, who, I made no doubt, was all eagerness to vanish from before the awakened wrath of Peleg. But to my astonishment, he sat down again on the transom very quietly, and seemed to have not the slightest intention of withdrawing. He seemed quite used to impenitent Peleg and his ways. As for Peleg, after letting off his rage as he had, there seemed no more left in him, and he, too, sat down like a lamb, though he twitched a little as if still nervously agitated. 'Whew!' he whistled at last -- 'the squall's gone off to leeward, I think. Bildad, thou used to be good at sharpening a lance, mend that pen, will ye. My jack-knife here needs the grindstone. That's he; thank ye, Bildad. Now then, my young man, Ishmael's thy name, didn't ye say? Well then, down ye go here, Ishmael, for the three hundredth lay.'
'Captain Peleg,' said I, 'I have a friend with me who wants to ship too -- shall I bring him down to-morrow?'
'To be sure,' said Peleg. 'Fetch him along, and we'll look at him.'
'What lay does he want?' groaned Bildad, glancing up from the book in which he had again been burying himself.
'Oh! never thee mind about that, Bildad,' said Peleg. 'Has he ever whaled it any?' turning to me.
'Killed more whales than I can count,' Captain Peleg.
'Well, bring him along then.'
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And, after signing the papers, off I went; nothing doubting but that I had done a good morning's work, and that the Pequod was the identical ship that Yojo had provided to carry Queequeg and me round the Cape.
But I had not proceeded far, when I began to bethink me that the captain with whom I was to sail yet remained unseen by me; though, indeed, in many cases, a whale-ship will be completely fitted out, and receive all her crew on board, ere the captain makes himself visible by arriving to take command; for sometimes these voyages are so prolonged, and the shore intervals at home so exceedingly brief, that if the captain have a family, or any absorbing concernment of that sort, he does not trouble himself much about his ship in port, but leaves her to the owners till all is ready for sea. However, it is always as well to have a look at him before irrevocably committing yourself into his hands. Turning back I accosted Captain Peleg, inquiring where Captain Ahab was to be found.
'And what dost thou want of Captain Ahab? It's all right enough; thou art shipped.'
'Yes, but I should like to see him.'
'But I don't think thou wilt be able to at present. I don't know exactly what's the matter with him; but he keeps close inside the house; a sort of sick, and yet he don't look so. In fact, he ain't sick; but no, he isn't well either. Any how, young man, he won't always see me, so I don't suppose he will thee. He's a queer man, Captain Ahab -- so some think -- but a good one. Oh, thou'lt like him well enough; no fear, no fear. he's a grand, ungodly, god-like man, Captain Ahab; doesn't speak much; but, when he does speak, then you may well listen. Mark ye, be forewarned; Ahab's above the common; Ahab's been in colleges, as well as 'mong the cannibals; been used to deeper wonders than the waves; fixed his fiery lance in mightier stranger foes than whales. His lance! aye, the keenest and the surest that out of all our isle! Oh! he ain't Captain Bildad; no, and he ain't Captain Peleg; he's Ahab, boy; and Ahab of old, thou knowest, was a crowned king!'
'And a very vile one. When that wicked king was slain, the dogs, did they not lick his blood?'
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'Come hither to me -- hither, hither,' said Peleg, with a significance in his eye that almost startled me. 'Look ye, lad; never say that on board the Pequod. Never say it anywhere. Captain Ahab did not name himself. 'Twas a foolish, ignorant whim of his crazy, widowed mother, who died when he was only a twelvemonth old. And yet the old squaw Tistig, at Gayhead, said that the name would somehow prove prophetic. And, perhaps, other fools like her may tell thee the same. I wish to warn thee. It's a lie. I know Captain Ahab well; I've sailed with him as mate years ago; I know what he is -- a good man -- not a pious, good man, like Bildad, but a swearing good man -- something like me -- only there's a good deal more of him. Aye, aye, I know that he was never very jolly; and I know that on the passage home, he was a little out of his mind for a spell; but it was the sharp shooting pains in his bleeding stump that brought that about, as any one might see. I know, too, that ever since he lost his leg last voyage by that accursed whale, he's been a kind of moody -- desperate moody, and savage sometimes; but that will all pass off. And once for all, let me tell thee and assure thee, young man, it's better to sail with a moody good captain than a laughing bad one. So good-bye to thee -- and wrong not Captain Ahab, because he happens to have a wicked name. Besides, my boy, he has a wife -- not three voyages wedded -- a sweet, resigned girl. Think of that; by that sweet girl that old man has a child: hold ye then there can be any utter, hopeless harm in Ahab? No, no, my lad; stricken, blasted, if he be, Ahab has his humanities!'
As I walked away, I was full of thoughtfulness; what had been incidentally revealed to me of Captain Ahab, filled me with a certain wild vagueness of painfulness concerning him. And somehow, at the time, I felt a sympathy and a sorrow for him, but for I don't know what, unless it was the cruel loss of his leg. And yet I also felt a strange awe of him; but that sort of awe, which I cannot at all describe, was not exactly awe; I do not know what it was. But I felt it; and it did not disincline me towards him; though I felt impatience at what seemed like mystery in him, so imperfectly as he was known to me then. However, my thoughts were at length carried in other directions, so that for the present dark Ahab slipped my mind.
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chapter 4 kate pennebaker
There are many definitions of numinous, few which include "spiritual or supernatural" and "surpassing comprehension or understanding." Ishmael has a flashback to his childhood of a time when he was sent to his room by his mother and woke up feeling as if something was touching his hand when, in reality, nothing was there. He was so afraid to move because he thought that this "presence" would harm him. The whole reason that Ishmael has this flashback is because he wakes up one morning and Queequegs arm is draped around Ishmael. This whole situation could be described as numinous because he felt as if a supernatural being was with him and he did not understand where this feeling came from. When Ishmael felt this numinous presence as a child he did not want to move because of fear and because he liked the way it made him feel; he did not want to lose the sensation. This presence triggered his curiosity just like Queequeg does. He is interested in Queequeg and fascinated with him just as he was with the numinous presence.
kate pennebaker
Chapter 2
Kelly Snyder, Anh Nguyen, Ellen Wagner, Melissa Hampton.
In Chapter 2, there are many terms that are not in your normal everyday conversation. One being the solstice. There are two solstices a year, they mark either the beginning of summer or the beginning of winter. Ishmael chooses the winter solstice to go on a whaling trip because the days are getting shorter and the whales are migrating towards the south, which should make it easier to spot them. The city of Gomorrah was mentioned when he went into the black church, in this church, they were conversing about the Angel of Doom. Gomorrah is the ancient city destroyed by God because of their sin, it was a wicked city and it was burned to the ground. It was near Sodoman and possibly covered by the Sea and in the Bible, it was set on fire because of their wickedness in Genesis 19. Also, it Euroclydon was mention because it was cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind that blows in the Mediterranean. Moluccas was mention because it was an island in the Maluku Islands which are also called the Spice Island.
Chapter 10- Alissa Davis, Kelsey Fritz, Lindsay Miller
Psychologically within, Ishamael has melted his ego, become whole with his full identity and is now at peace with the world, inside and out. The marriage symbolizes a full bonding of companionship and friendship, just like an actual marriage, with the complete friendship and love for each other without the physical aspect of marriage. Ishmael has accepted his inner self and how he is, his ego, and is now at peace and has a balanced, harmonious center. He is redeemed because he is now no longer against the world. He is no longer an outsider because he has a friend. Before it, he was against the world and God, now that he has accepted a friend and grown inside to a more balanced whole, he accepts the world and God more fully.
Ch. 10 Melting and Queequeg
"I had a melting in me" could possibly mean that his presumptions about the savageness of Queequeg melted or dissolved. Ishmael made rash judgments about the cannibal, and he discovers later that his judgments were misguided. Queequeg appears savage, rough, and mean but in reality he is pious, courteous, and now a friend of Ishmael. After discovering Queequeg's true nature, Ishmael claims that "the savage redeems it [the world]." Ishmael's previous assumptions about the way the world is and the way Presbyterian society taught him to accept is not always right.
This new bond, or "marriage", tells Ishmael that everything he believed in before meeting Queequeg doesn't have to be true. This marriage just means that they understand each other and can accept each other now. From this marriage, Ishmael can now accept that not everything is the way he initially perceived it. Ishmael initially perceived Queequeg as the opposite of how he truly is. The very person that Ishmael's society once shunned is now revealing to him how that society was misguided.
Ishmael is "redeemed" both ironically and oxymoronically by a pagan because of all the reasons stated above. Ishmael now has a new view of people in a new light. He now takes it with a grain of salt. This seems ironic and oxymoronic because normally the word "redeemed" is associated with Christianity and not paganism. It almost seems that one can't be redeemed by a pagan because that isn't possible. Obviously this is not true because Queequeg has caused a profound change in the way Ishmael thinks.
Written by: Caroline Ward and Amy Coates- B period
Chapter 10 Response
Kelly Synder, Anh Nguyen, Ellen Wagner, Melissa Hampton.
In chapter 10, Ishmael had a physcological change. He grew fond of Queequeg and decided to befriend him. He felt drawn to him in ways that most others would feel repelled. He had a melting within himself, his original feelings toward Queequeg were melting away and he realized the deeper feelings towards Queequeg. Queequeg offered a phycological marriage to Ishmael. After they shared the pipe, Queequeg told Ishmael they were married. It was in a metaphorical sense, it meant that they had a strong bond with each other such as that of a husband and wife. It was simply a sign of their deep unending friendship. Ishmael accepted this and in doing so he accepted a person who most other people would reject. Ishmael is redeemed ironically because he accepted a man who was generally rejected by society. At first, he was scared of Queequeg but now he feels drawn to him. This is ironic because Ishmael is a good Christian and Queequeg is an idolator.
Ch 10 Analysis (Brett and Libby)
"...I began to be sensible of strange feelings. I felt a melting in me. No more my splintered heart and maddened hand were turned against the wolfish world. The soothing savage had redeemed it," Ishmael reveals that its not a literal melting, but he feels a strong connection with Queequeg in the sense that he feels somewhat at home and ease with a fellow crew member. Ishmael's heart is not being withered away, but merely a sense that his heart has unhardened from being protected of what he gaurded it from. The marriage between Ishmael and Queequeg was not a romantic bond, but more of a spiritual and close friend type of kinship. They had all of the mental connections yet no physical love connection (knaw meann?).
-libby negron and brett sandstrom
ch 10 kelsey marsh and shimarah mehrotra
Ishmael's sense of worry has calmed down since he has seen Queequeg for more than a savage cannibal. The "melting" refers to a sense of warmness that Ishmael feels knowing that he and Queequeg have become friends. He says that he is making sense of these "strange feelings" he has about Queequeg, in the plaotnic sense. Queequeg has brought a true friendship into Ishmael's otherwise dismal life.
Chapter 10
In chapter 10 of Moby Dick Ishmael and Queequeg bond together. Mellville using the term "melting" which suggests that Ishmael's person was losing its own self and joining Queequeg's person. Through this "marriage" of souls, Ishmael finds that when he accepts Queequeg he accepts his view of the world, which he finds better than his previous Christian one.
Mark Francis
Daryan Green
Ch. 10 Analysis Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
Ishmael and Queequeg returned to the Spouter-Inn after going to church. Ishmael observed Queequeg while he was sitting alone. As he was watching he felt a strange attraction to Queequeg. Ishmael's attitude about life literally and symbolically as he warms up sitting next to the fire. He begins to lose the feelings of depression that he felt when his soul felt dreary and dark as told in the novel's beginning. Ishmael describes his heart as being splintered and that Queequeg helps to mend his injured heart. Although Queequeg is pagan, Ishmael is drawn to him because former Christian friends have not been true to him. This was also shown in a previous chapter when Ishmael states that he would prefer to share a bed with "a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian." Ishmael reaches out to Queequeg in the attempt to become friends. Queequeg asks Ishmael if they will be sharing a bed again to which Ishmael replies that they will. This seems to make Queequeg surprisingly content. This also marks the beginning of their great friendship. Ishmael suggests that the share a smoke in the hopes of strengthening their relationship. After this Queequeg embraces Ishmael and describes their friendship as a marriage. This is not a sexual relationship but rather a completely platonic, brotherly relationship. This means that they are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, their life, for the well-being of the other. He is beginning to accept Paganism although he still considers himself Christian. Ishmael is learning that although Queequeg is a pagan he is a better person than most Christians. He redeems himself by being open to new friendships and allowing himself to trust someone else despite cultural differences. This in the end makes him a happier person.
Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
Chapter 10 (Dani Lewis and Chris Fitzer)
When the novel began, the reader was introduced to a depressed, cynical, and on the verge of suicidal Ishmael. After the meeting of Queequeg, his entire philosophy on the subjects of savages, Christians, and life in general were drastically changed. Ishmael found a friend in Queequeg, who was originally thought of as a vicious cannibal. As stated in chapter 3, "Better sleep with a sober cannibal than with a drunken Christian." Ishmael realizes that christian values are not always reflected in the actions of Christians themselves. He notices that this pagan native retains civil qualities that rival that of Christians in the areas of compassion, friendship, and courtesy. Sterotypically, Queequeg should be an ill-mannered, ruthless savage. But, this is not the case. After having a smoke and conversation with Queequeg, Ishmael realizes that this assumption is incorrect. He finds that Queequeg is an honorable, trustworthy friend. This revelation brings about a change in him. It brings about this "melting" of his heart. This change in his personality brings about the opportunity to create this friendship with Queequeg: his bosom friend. Their connection leds to a relationship that fosters into a "marriage" of sorts. They become figurative "spouses" whom they can rely on for support and compassion.
Chapter 10-Kate Pennebaker and Kyle Smith
In chapter 10, Ishmael says that "[he] began to be sensible of strange feelings. [he] felt a melting in [him]." Obviously, he did not physically feel a melting within his body, rather he felt a strong connection with Queequeg (not a romantic one). He is drawn towards Queequegs personality, and the fact that he doesn't perform the normal "hollow courtesies" that he is accustomed to. The melting signifies his perception of the world, "melting away", or changing dramatically. Queequeg opens Ishamel up to a new view of the world through a different set of eyes, and Ishmael comes to accept his values. When it is said that Ishmael and Queequeg are "married" it is a platonic psychological bond, rather than a physical, romantic bond. The fact that they shared the same bed is in no way a sexual act, but in actuality the complete opposite; it is an act of a mental connection and a deep sense of respect. It is ironic that he is redeemed by a pagan because pagans have a very different relgious view than Christians, yet Queequeg was able to renew Ishamael's faith in his own religion.
-kate pennebaker and kyle smith
Write a response to the following prompt:
In Chapter 10, Ishmael says: "...I began to be sensible of strange feelings. I felt a melting in me. No more my splintered heart and maddened hand were turned against the wolfish world. The soothing savage had redeemed it." He then reveals that the pagan has proved a friend and that "...Christian kindness has proved but hollow courtesy." And then their relationship is ritually sealed when Queequeg presses his forehead against Ishmael's and "said that henceforth we were married; meaning, in his country's phrase, that we were bosom friends; he would gladly die for me."
First, discuss what has happened to Ishmael psychologically, especially, the "melting" within. Second, what do you make of the "marriage"? In psychological terms, what has Ismael accepted? Why is he "redeemed"--ironically, if not oxymoronically--by a pagan?
Write in small groups and sign. Due at the end of class.
Nekyia allusions - Nathan Sheptock
Nekyia, coined in Greek mythology as "a journry into the night," is depicted in Odysseus' journey to the Underworld to speak with the prophet Teiresias, leading to his transformation and return from there to his home. This same "descent, transformation, and return" is paralleled in Dante's Inferno, as well as the Biblical stories of Jesus Christ and Jonah and the Whale, which is referred to in the first sermon Ishmael hears in Moby Dick, yet another story containing a depiction of nekyia. As portrayed in the sermon which Ishmael hears, in which Jonah "descends" into the mouth of the whale, paralleled with Hell, Ishmael must soon face his own descent into "Hell," more than likely the upcoming battle with the great whale.He may do this knowingly in hopes of achieving his own personal transformation, which will finally settle his "restless soul" and reveal his true significance in the vast and mystifying world of the sea.
The adjective, numinous, in chapter 4 is defined as spiritual or , pertaining to god, indicating or suggesting the presence of God, divine, and holy, and inspiring awe and reverence. In chapter 4, Ishmael is placed in a situation that pertains to having a flashback to his childhood. In this memory he remembers somewhat of a "phantoms" hand touching him. So real infact hard to depict if it was faulty or true. Ishmael awakes from slumber with Queequegs arm atop of him in a hugging manner. While Ishmael being in a half slumber/ half awake mode, he is too distant to determine the mean of Queequeg touching him.
Numinous Notes by Corinne McConnell Alex Wikoff and Rebecca Hall
Numinous is the wonder and awe one feels when in the presence of the . Though not immediately evident, with careful observation one can easily discover that the numinous is an underlying theme. Ishmael describes a moment in which he realizes that his hand is being held. He is confused as to what the "phantom" might be (in reference to the numinous). He awakes in Queequeg's embrace. He is in a state of sub-consciousness as when one is half asleep and half awake.
Chapter 3- Kate Pennebaker
At the beginning of chapter three, Ishamel encounters a strange painting at the Spouter inn. which he describes as a "hyperborean winter scene." Hyperborean is defined as a very cold, frigid north wind. The painting is not of a winter scene, but the disorder reminds him of a crazy, windy wintertime storm. Ishmael later discovers that the painting is actually of a whale, caught in a storm, impaling itself upon the mast of a ship. He does not know what to make of the painting or what to think, but it could possiby be a foreshadowing of events to come. When Ishmael first meets Queequeg, he is sort of frightened by his appearance. Apparently, Queequeg is hard to look at, with his "purplish head" and dark greenish marked legs. Saying that he was hesitant to sleep in the same bed with him is an understatement. He called the landlord and made a big fuss and both Ishmael and Quuequeg got riled up and upset. The landlord is able to calm him down and Ishmael surprises himself by getting the "best" sleep he has ever had.
kate pennebaker
Numinous analysis - Nathan Sheptock
Otto was one of the most influential thinkers about religion in the first half of the twentieth century. He is best known for his analysis of the experience that, in his view, underlies all religion. He calls this experience "numinous," and says it has three components. These are often designated with a Latin phrase: mysterium tremendum et fascinans. As mysterium, the numinous is "wholly other"-- entirely different from anything we experience in ordinary life. It evokes a reaction of silence. But the numinous is also a mysterium tremendum. It provokes terror because it presents itself as overwhelming power. Finally, the numinous presents itself as fascinans, as merciful and gracious. (Gregory D. Alles [http://www.netrax.net/~galles/])
Outline of Otto's concept of the numinous (based on The Idea of the Holy. Trans. John W. Harvey. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1923; 2nd ed., 1950 [Das Heilige, 1917]):
"Mysterium tremendum et fascinans" (fearful and fascinating mystery):
"Mysterium": Wholly Other, experienced with blank wonder, stupor
"tremendum":
awefulness, terror, demonic dread, awe, absolute unapproachability, "wrath" of God
overpoweringness, majesty, might, sense of one's own nothingness in contrast to its power
creature-feeling, sense of objective presence, dependence
energy, urgency, will, vitality
"fascinans": potent charm, attractiveness in spite of fear, terror, etc
Ch. 3 allusions - Nathan Sheptock
"The Spouter-Inn" which Ismael stays in for the night seems to be depicted as a sinking ship itself, which is supported greatly by the "grimy," ominous painting of the impaled whale, along with the other aspect such as the numerous harpooning tools along the walls and the bar made form a whale jaw. The painting can be seen as an obvious warning sign of the fate which Ismael is soon to face on his own voyage; its visual obscurity along with the decaying state it's in seems to summarize, along with the whole atmosphere of the inn, the overwhelming mysteriousness of events yet to come. Another aspect, the discrepancy between obvious appearance and true reality, is portrayed in both the painting and also of Ishmael's impression of Queequeg, the "cannibalistic heathen." Just as the seemingly obscure painting could not be clarified without a lengthy inspection, Queequeg, first appearing as a pagan heathen, soon greatly astonishes Ishmael with his very kind mannerisms. These two examples can bee seen as another indication of events which may unfold along Ishmael's journey.
Daryan Green/Mark Francis Chap. 3 Analysis
In chapter 3, one of the first things which Ishmael encounters is an old painting. The painting's age only adds to its obscurity, and finally, after much deliberation, Ishmael concludes its main subject is probably either a fish (the leviathan) or a ship on which a whale is "impaling himself" . This is an interesting conclusion because it suggests a similarity between two apparently distinct objects, objects which in Ishmael's buisness, whaling, share nothing in common except the desire to kill the other before it kills you. Despite the fact that Ishmael himself is a whaler, he can't distinguish whether the paintng's subject is a ship, or a whale, both of which Ishmael would have seen many times before in his whaling career. The obvious question upon learning this information, is why? Why can't Ishmael distinguish between the whale and ship. The answer, in its literal sense, is that the painting has been "thoroughly besmoked, and every way defaced". This might possibly suggest that just as the painting is so obscure from years of mistreatment, and therfore can no longer distinguish btw. whale or ship, so a sailer, such as Ismael (whose very name means outcast), through years of rejection from society, might see a whale, who most people would view as a danger, similar to outcasts such as himself.
Another new object, or rather charcter found in chapter three is Queeqeg. Queeqeg is a "pagan" harpooner who collects heads and at first seems mean and most likely extremely dangerous. However, Queeqeg is in many ways similar to the painting. Just as a whaling ship and a whale appear to me enemies to most people who aren't whalers and don't understand thier relationship, Ishmael views Queeqeg as a dangerous enemy, as seen through his narrative. Queeqeg raveals that he believes Ishmael to be a danger by keeping his tomahawk by his side during the night. In the morning however, Ishmael says that he Queeqeg is very civilized and polite (though he still refers to him as a savage). Throughout chapter 3, we see the reuccruing theme of likeness dispite seeming opposition.
-http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/titles/moby/section3.html
ch.4 shimarah mehotra and kelsey marsh
http://theartsoffice.net/MALS/Papers/Numinous.htm
A numinous experience is an “experience in which one seems to be aware of another as holy – an experience in which one seems to be aware of another as possessing at least one of the following six qualities: awefulness, majesty, energy, mystery, fascination, augustness.”
This definition parallels to Ishmael's experience as a child in the mysterious and possibly holy sense. Ishmael feels the hand of an unidentified person or object while he is confined in his room for sixteen long hours. This presence could be interpreted as the Hand of God upon Ishmael.
Ch.4 Analysis Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
Ishmael wakes up in the morning with Queequeg's arm across him as a wife would to a husband. He notes the arm is similar to a labyrinth and a patchwork quilt. The labyrinth that Ishmael references is a Cretan labyrinth which is a direct path although the path wanders to reach its destination. Ishmael says the arm reminds of a similar childhood experience. He describes a supernatural feeling that a hand was holding his as he woke up. He remembers wanting to escape but feeling unable and unwilling to move. This type of supernatural encounter is an example of a numinous experience. The numinous is a spiritual, supernatural power that seems unobtainable and controlling. This could be a recurring experience for Ishmael throughout the novel. Ishmael felt that Queequeg's embrace was a numinous touch. Ishmael attempts to wake Queequeg in order to rid himself of the numinous feeling. After repeated attempts, Queequeg finally wakes up and shakes himself like a "Newfoundland dog," a type of dog which is very fond of the water. Queequeg decides to get dressed and leave so Ishmael can get dressed in private. While this is happening we can see how savage yet civilized Queequeg is. He puts on a hat and boots, which are put on in much privacy under the bed, yet initially does not wear any pants. Ishmael urges him to hurry dressing and begins to watch Queequeg's odd way of washing himself. He washes everything but his face which seems unusual to Ishmael. Also puzzling Ishmael is the fact that Queequeg shaves with his harpoon. Finally Queequeg departs and leaves Ishmael in privacy.
Jessica Huff & Catherine Samson
Chapter 4
The main focus of this chapter is meant to be directed towards the numinous philosophy. Numinous relates everyday experiences to a divine experience underlying it. Chapter 4 begins with Ishmael and Queequeg lying in bed with Queequeg's arms wrapped around Ishmael as if he were his wife, which could possibly demonstrate the smothering love of God. Shortly after, Ishmael has a flashblack about his childhood where there was a presence of another arm draping him, almost divine-like.
By the genius's Jeff Annis, Tyler Smith, Amanda Phan, Sam Sauza
Chpt 3 Kyle Smith, Patrick Collins, Hannah Robinson
When Ishmael enters the Spouter-Inn he describes it as a gloomy, dark place. He draws much attention to the different works of art about the room. One specific piece of artwork he draws attention to is the book shelf shaped as a whale's jaw. H describes the things on the shelves in the jaw as "another cursed Jonah" (p 39). When Melville mentions Jonah he is making a biblical reference. Jonah was an unwilling servant of God; when God calls upon Jonah to go to Nineveh to prophesize about the disaster of the city because of its wickedness Jonah gets aboard a ship going a different direction. While at sea a terrible storm comes upon the ship and throws Jonah overboard, and is swallowed by a great fish where he stays for three days and three nights. He prays for deliverance from the fish to safety, he is later vomited onto land and goes to Nineveh to perform God's will. Another allusion Melville makes is to another painting one sees as soon as they walk in the door. This painting is unnatural and confusing mess of paint, in different light and with different shadows it looks like different things. One way Ishmael describes the picture is as "a Hyperborean winter scene" (p 37). Hyperborean is a reference to a very cold, frigid north wind. The disorder of the painting is like a crazy wind storm in the winter. In the end however Ishmael discovers that the painting is actually of a whale impaling itself upon the mast of a ship in a storm. Melville makes many references throughout all his chapters, these two allusions however are the most relevant of this chapter.
Hannah Robinson
Kyle Smith
Patrick Collins
Ch. 4 and the Numinous (Chris Fitzer and Dani Lewis)
In this chapter, Ishmael expresses the feeling of a hovering phantom that covers him during a time of rest when his step-mother sent him away. This flashback describes a similar feeling to which he felt with Queequeg wrapping his arms around him in bed. In his childhood, his stepmother sent him to his room because of the trouble he was causing. It says he slept for sixteen hours. He awoke to the feeling that a spirit or phantom was embracing him. This was a numinous. The numinous is a spiritual or supernatural feeling that Rudolph Otto claims to be a non-rational mysterious meeting of the divine. This idea is commonly associated with the feeling of unworthiness, such as Ishmael felt. This feeling of uncleanliness is covered and pacified by the Numinous. It is a sensation of the revelation of grace. The flashback told by Ishmeal depicts a time when he felt unworthy and needed the phantom to hold and embrace him. This titillation of the Numinous comforted him in this time of doubt. Similarly, the embrace of Queequeg gave him a feeling like this soothing phantom. He also compares the encompassing hold of Queequeg to the warm embrace of a bridegroom to his wife. In the same sense a spouse uses a hug to comfort his or her significant other to releave them of this feeling of unworthiness and doubt.
The idea of Numinous is also compared to the feeling of fascination with the unknown. In his room as a child Ishmael became fascinated with this feeling caused by a Numinous. He is afraid that if he moves in bed he will lose this sensation, this nonphysical hand that lies upon his. Comparingly Ishmael is fascinated and interested in Queequeg and the differences between their cultures and ways of life. He is fine with the embrace of another man in bed because he feels that is is the same comforting hug of a Numinous.
Ch. 3 interpretation shimarah mehrotra and kelsey marsh
When Ishmael arrives at The Spouter Inn, he is told there is no vacancy and that he can stay but he will be rooming with a harpoonner that will not arrive until much later that night. Ishmael stays up very late waiting for the harpooner to arrive but when he does not, Ishmael doses off. Suddenly he is awoken by a lantern's glow from underneath the door, for it was Queequeg. Ismael is caught off guard by Queequegs unusual appearance. After learning of Queequeg's adventure that night of selling heads, Ismael trembled in deep fear. Melville's idea that "Ignorance is the parent of fear" is portrayed through Ismael's initial fear of the elusive Queequeg. However, at the end, his new found knowledge of Queequeg contributes to his reduced fear of "the infernal harpooner" , similar to a less overprotective parent.
chpt 4 numinous Kyle smith Hannah Robinson Patrick Collins
Numinous inspires awe from humans. Numinous sometimes implies or suggests the presence of a godly spirit or transparent being. This word relates to Moby Dick in Chapter four in the flashback to Ishmael's childhood. In this flashback Ishmael remembers once when he was sent to bed early by his mother, he drifted into a deep slumber and when he woke up felt a presence of something on his hand. This phantom or spirit awed him making him unable to move in fear that the spirit might hurt him. This particular experience is brought back to memory when Ishmael wakes up and discovers that Queequeg has his arm tightly around him whole experience should be described as numinous because of the supernatural experience Ishmael had and remembered.
Hannah Robinson
Kyle Smith
Patrick Collins
Ch 3 Analysis
Ch 3 begins when Ishmael enters the Spouter-Inn and seeing the oil painting of a whale attacking a ship. Then it goes into Ishmael wanting to rent a room, but then he finds out that he has to share a bed with a harpooner. The landlord tells him the story of the harpooner and him having heads and being a cannibal. Ishmael then decides to sleep on thet bench, but its too cold, tight, and uncomfortable. So he decides to share the bed because the landlord tells him that the harpooner won't be there for the night. As Ishmael is trying to fall asleep, the harpooner, Queequeg walks in and Ishmael doesn't say anything to him, he just watches him. Queequeg pulls out heads from his bag and Ishmael freaks out calls for the landlord and so then Queequeg starts to freak out. The landlord comes in and calms down Queequeg and Ishamael decides to sleep in the same bed as Queequeg. The landlord says that Queequeg wouldn't dare harm a head on Ishmael, so Ishmael and Queequeg fall asleep and Ishmael has the best sleep that he has ever gotten.
- Samantha Sauza, Jeff Annis, and Amanda Phan
and i guess tyler smith
Ch 3 Analysis
Ch 3 begins when Ishmael enters the Spouter-Inn and seeing the oil painting of a whale attacking a ship. Then it goes into Ishmael wanting to rent a room, but then he finds out that he has to share a bed with a harpooner. The landlord tells him the story of the harpooner and him having heads and being a cannibal. Ishmael then decides to sleep on thet bench, but its too cold, tight, and uncomfortable. So he decides to share the bed because the landlord tells him that the harpooner won't be there for the night. As Ishmael is trying to fall asleep, the harpooner, Queequeg walks in and Ishmael doesn't say anything to him, he just watches him. Queequeg pulls out heads from his bag and Ishmael freaks out calls for the landlord and so then Queequeg starts to freak out. The landlord comes in and calms down Queequeg and Ishamael decides to sleep in the same bed as Queequeg. The landlord says that Queequeg wouldn't dare harm a head on Ishmael, so Ishmael and Queequeg fall asleep and Ishmael has the best sleep that he has ever gotten.
- Samantha Sauza, Jeff Annis, and Amanda Phan
and i guess tyler smith
Ch 3 Analysis
Ch 3 begins when Ishmael enters the Spouter-Inn and seeing the oil painting of a whale attacking a ship. Then it goes into Ishmael wanting to rent a room, but then he finds out that he has to share a bed with a harpooner. The landlord tells him the story of the harpooner and him having heads and being a cannibal. Ishmael then decides to sleep on thet bench, but its too cold, tight, and uncomfortable. So he decides to share the bed because the landlord tells him that the harpooner won't be there for the night. As Ishmael is trying to fall asleep, the harpooner, Queequeg walks in and Ishmael doesn't say anything to him, he just watches him. Queequeg pulls out heads from his bag and Ishmael freaks out calls for the landlord and so then Queequeg starts to freak out. The landlord comes in and calms down Queequeg and Ishamael decides to sleep in the same bed as Queequeg. The landlord says that Queequeg wouldn't dare harm a head on Ishmael, so Ishmael and Queequeg fall asleep and Ishmael has the best sleep that he has ever gotten.
- Samantha Sauza, Jeff Annis, and Amanda Phan
Ch. 3 Analysis
Ishmael enters the Spouter-Inn and notices an interesting painting. The painting depicts a wintry scene that seems to come alive. There seems to be a gigantic creature or fish. He references the leviathan which is Hebrew for whale and used to describe a large sea monster in the Old Testament. He says the picture represents a ship sailing around Cape Horn during a hurricane. Also in the inn, Ishmael finds various kinds of weaponry. In the corner is a bar which slightly resembles a whale's head. Later, a reference is made about Jonah, the Biblical character who is swallowed by a whale. He finds a group of sailors who intricately carve the bones of whales. He speaks to the innkeeper to see if there is any room for him. There is not any room for him but the innkeeper says he could share a bed with a harpooneer. Initially, Ishmael would if there were no other options. Later, he decides against the offer and opts to sleep on a bench in the common area. The landlord tries to make the bench comfortable but all attempts are in vain. He then decides to stay with the harpooner. He learns that the harpooner will be late because he is out selling shrunken heads. Ishmael decides to go to bed before the harpooner arrives. The harpooner, Queequeg, comes in and starts getting ready for bed. Ishmael observes that Queequg is covered in s. The harpooner does not notice that Ishmael is in the room. Queequeg then seems to perform some kind of spiritual ritual. Then, Queequeg starts to get into bed and notices Ishmael. Ishmael is frightened and calls for the landlord. The landlord explains to Queequeg who Ishmael is and why is there. Queequeg becomes hospitable and politely invites Ishmael back into the bed. He then concludes that it will be safe to sleep with Queequeg despite the fact that he is a cannibal, and goes as far to say the it is "better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian."
Catherine Samson & Jessica Huff
Chapter 4- Numinous
Numinous:
- Pertaining to the supernatural
- Something that makes you believe in something "wholly other", such as a deity
- From the Latin "numen" which means divine will.
When Ishmael wakes from his slumber in the inn, he finds Queequeg's arm around him in a loving, but strange gesture. He is immediately reminded of a time during his childhood when he felt the spiritual presence of his mother while he was sleeping. Ishmael's stepmother had sent him to bed in the afternoon, and while he was trying to sleep, he felt the hand of his mother upon his shoulder. Some would call this a numinous experience. It was highly spiritual, and definitely supernatural, because his mother was not physically present. Queequeg's arm around Ishamel took him back to this time. Because it was so unexpected, it seemed almost surreal.
Cailin Loyd and Lisa Elizondo
Chapter 4 analysis
Ellen Wagner, Kelly Snyder, Anh Nguyen, Melissa Hampton!
Our website for Numinous is http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/gothic/numinous.html
Ishamael's childhood and his experience with Queequeg are parallel in their principium individuationis, or the way in which the individual knows things as phenomena.
When Ishamael was a child, he was climbing up the chimney, like the sweep he had seen do a few days earlier. His stepmother pulled him out by the legs and sent him to bed around two o'clock, it was June 21st the summer solstice. He eventually fell asleep and when he awoke the light that was there when he had drifted off was replaced by darkness. He felt as if he had a hand placed in his. Later he realized that there was never really a hand in his, he realized he had imagined it. But now, he had the same thing happen except that this time there really was a hand in his. There was an arm over his body, over the counterpane.
CHAPTER 4- Alissa Davis and Lindsay Miller
*The title- the counterpane- refers to a bed cover or quilt.
* Childhood experience- supernatural hand placed in his when waking from the summer solstice The "supernatural hand" was probably only his bedcover and he perceived it to be a hand.
* Queequeg- when he awoke for his slumber, he felt Queequeg’s arm affectionately placed over him, which reminded him of the childhood experience when he felt the mysterious hand placed in his.
* Numinous- supernatural, spiritual, divine, awe-inspiring www.dictionary.com
- an ordinary fear turns into a dread incited by the numinous as we experience the numinous. http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/gothic/numinous.html
-it is a "non-rational, non-sensory experience or feeling whose primary and immediate object is outside the self." www.wikipedia.com
- it can be considered a numinous moment when one is in that stage between wake and sleep where you can't differentiate between what is real and ethereal. During a time like this, when something happens in reality you may think it did not really happen and vice versa, something ethereal, like an hallucination of sorts, you may believe to be real and remember it
*Queequeg may be a savage, but he has many western customs that are shown in this chapter. Ishmael is surpriused at his somewhat civilized manner, even though he puts his boots on first and does not wash his face. Thus, Queequeq is halfway civilized and halfway savage.
Numinous:
Numinous, from www.dictionary.com, means: spiritual or supernatural; surpassing comprehension or understanding; filled with or characterized by a sense of a supernatural presence. From Wikipedia, numen (plural: numina) is derived from Latin and means "nodding" but is also associated with meanings of "command" or "divine majesty." Numen is a term for deity and conveys a sense of immanence. Numen is also used to by sociologists to refer to the idea of a magical power residing in an object.
numinous: filled with the sense of the presence of divinity. [Lat. numen (spiritual force of a place/object/being)] In Christianity, God is everywhere, but there are certain places at certain times where the sense of God's presence, and its special-ness, is stronger than at other times and places. (There is also the sense of God's deliberate absence, which the Lord sometimes does to remind people of God's usual presence.)
Counterpane:
There is a symbolic element in every great literary work, which makes the author’s message more tangible and real to his readers. In Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, one such element is the idea of the “counterpane,” or tapestry, of humanity, that is woven throughout the story as a symbol of the world’s multiculturalism. (Edu Analysis) http://www.eduessays.com/Essays-x07027.htm
The counterpane is a bedspread or tapestry perhaps used to symbolize the "patchwork quilt" of humanity. Ishmael notices that Queequeg's arm and the counterpane they covered themselves with to sleep look very similar, since Queequeg has been all over the world sailing.
Parallel between chilhood and present experience: When Ishmael was a child, he experienced a supernatural hand placed over his own. He remembers this very vividly. In reality, it was probably just an illusion. When Ishmael awoke to find another arm placed over him, the memories came back, but he realized it was only Queequeg. These experiences parallel one another because both deal with the "numinous" in different times of Ishmael's life.
Written by: Caroline Ward, Amy Coates, Brett Sandstrom
