NCHS AP English Language

Question #3 Numinous-Jessica Huff

Numinous is a divine power or an unobtainable supernatural feeling. In previous chapters, the reader becomes aware of Ishmael's numinous experience as a young boy. Ishmael compares it to Queequeg's arm placed upon him. He further describes it as an indescribable feeling and said that if he could possibly get out of this supernatural grip, then maybe he would be able to free himself. Although the definition of a numinous defines it as a comforting experience, Ishmael seemed anything but comforted during his recollection, yet he seemed to yearn to get away from the divine hold on him. This numinous experience most probably serves as a foreshadowing. It is quite probable that Ishmael may get trapped, just as he was trapped by the supernatural force, yearning to break free, but unable. This future event could easily be Ishmael's downfall if he is unable to escape while trapped. Furthermore, Ishmael may very likely get trapped in the ship. The reader gets a sense that something bad will inevitably happen to the ship based upon different references to disaster, like the prophet sensing destruction and the painting of the ship destroyed by a whale. Ishmael's numinous experience likely serves as a forewarning of Ishmael's fate.
-Jessica Huff

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 2:16 PM