NCHS AP English Language

Pip and Ahab (Dani Lewis, Catherine Samson, Chris Fitzer, and Jessica Huff)

Ahab and Pip begin to deepen their relationship toward the end of the novel. Before, Pip had a non-existent relationship with Ahab; however, this changed after Pip jumped overboard, tramautizing him and making him mad like Ahab. Earlier in the novel, Ahab and Pip seemed to have nothing in common because their differences were so apparent. The reader notices that Pip is young and a tambourine boy, while Ahab is older and the captain of the Pequod. Their positions put Pip and Ahab on two opposites ends of the heirarchy of the Pequod. Ahab is at the top of this chain, while Pip is at the very bottom of the chain. Pip goes mad after he jumps into the water. Ahab is already mad because he also has had a bad experience with water (getting attacked by Moby Dick). This gives them a similar experience and can help them relate to each other. Additionally, Pip goes into Ahab's cabin and begins to wear Ahab's clothes and legs. Oddly enough, Ahab does not get upset by this, rather Ahab and Pip begin to develop a relationship. Also, Ahab misses his family at home, and begins to act as a father figure to Pip. Ahab missing his family is another explanation for the deepening of his relationship with Pip.
-Dani Lewis, Catherine Samson, Chris Fitzer, and Jessica Huff

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 11:56 AM