NCHS AP English Language

Question #6 Central Trope

Chapter 38 is a soliloquy by Starbuck that uses an allusion. This allusion is the central trope and is rather important and fitting. Starbuck alludes to a demogorgon in reference to "the white whale" or Moby Dick. A demogorgon is a demon prince or pagan god and is associated with the underworld. This allusion is quite fitting because everything on the ship revolves around Moby Dick, even though it revolves around him in a negative way. Moby Dick could be described as a demon prince because everyone dislikes him, but because of his extreme powerful they are afraid of him and full of awe. Additionally, they are trying to overthrow his power, yet like a prince or a god, it takes many people (the whole crew of a ship) to accomplish or better yet attempt this feat. Moby Dick symbolizes a strong, powerful, and demonic creature, as alluded to by Starbuck. Therefore, Melville's choice of an allusion as the central trope in chapter 38 was very fitting.
-Jessica Huff

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 9:40 PM