NCHS AP English Language

Ahab's Speech by Bobby Katoli

This is an important part of the novel. Ahab begins to come to senses about this madness he has been living in. He begins by telling Starbuck how he has whaled and traveled the seas for more than forty years. He tells about his wife which he described her as being a widow because he is never home. He goes on to talk about his kids about how they have no father. Ahab says he can see his wife and kids in Starbuck's eyes. Starbuck responds by saying that he sees his wife and kids not Ahab's. Starbuck then tries to persuade Ahab to return home to family. Then, Ahab says he has lost his mind. He feels powerless to control his thoughts as if an outside force has been manipulating him. The speech made by Ahab shows his real emotional side. Throughout the novel so far, we had read about Ahab as being delirious and caught up in Moby Dick. Ahab's speech shows the human side of him.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 12:01 PM