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
posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 2:34 PM
2 Comments:
You didn't go far enough in finding out about the numinous and what this experience means to Ishmael as a child. Try to go beyond the simple search to the dictionary, Spark's Notes, or Wikipedia. LO
3/5
i did not use wikipedia or sparknotes....
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