NCHS AP English Language

Ahab's speech- Shimarah Mehrotra

In Ahab's speech to Starbuck, he reveals his empathetic nature and his ability to relate to Starbuck's problem of being away from his wife and family. He tells Starbuck how he wedded his wife only to sail for Cape Horn the next day and how for forty years he has led a life of solitude and peril while sailing. Ahab criticizes himself saying that he is "more a demon than a man".
Ahab's speech brings him down from his pedestal and shows that he is as miserable as the rest of the crew, yet for some reason he cannot give up on his mission to find and destroy Moby Dick.
This speech not only reveals Ahab's human side, but also reinforces his insanity and thirst for vengeance.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 5:59 PM