NCHS AP English Language

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

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 8:09 AM