NCHS AP English Language

Pip and Ahab's relationship - L. Mill and E. Rew

The relationship between pip and ahab interpret:

The relationship between Pip and Ahab is very ironic and cotnradictory. At first, Pip is at the bottom of the ship hierarchy as the slave tambourine boy and Ahab is at the top as the captain of the Pequod. However, after Pip's numinous experience of beign left out at sea, Pip goes mad, similar to Ahab. Ahab then realizes that something within Pip is now similar to him. Perhaps it is Pip's madness? Furthermore, Ahab and Pip relate to each other because oth see the world differently than others and also feel ostracized from the vast crowd of men in general in the world. Differences between them however are definitely the Promethean attitude of Ahab while Pip understands that he is nothing in the vast complex of the world; he is just another little being in the huge ocean while Ahab believes he rules the ocean or is striving to by killing Moby Dick. This is the interpretation of Pip and Ahab's relationship. Moreover, they are complete opposites because Pip is young, black and naive while Ahab is old, white and wise. Also, Ahab has a little bit of sanity while Pip has gone completely insane. Therefore because Ahab and Pip are so opposite they compliment each other in a way that bonds them together, and Ahab begins to treat Pip as his son just about.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 2:09 PM