NCHS AP English Language

PIP AND AHAB....THEIR RELATIONSHIP

2) Discuss the relationship between Pip and Ahab. Interpret, don't just summarize.

The relationship between Pip and Ahab is almost non-existent at the beginning of story, therefore it is very surprising and almost baffling when it does come about. Also adding to the confusing aspect of this new relationship is that presents itself after Pip is lost at sea for a while. One day, out of nowhere, Pip comes to Ahab wearing his clothes and his leg. One might think that Ahab would be angered because it looked like Pip could be making fun of him. But instead, in a surprising reaction, Ahab takes Pip under his wing. I think that Pip reminds him of his wife and child back home, and so he thinks that he must preserve some kind of connection to them. Ahab realizes that he has driven many people away on the ship, and wants to be able to come home to his family a sane man. Pip is the only reminder that he has of what he has left behind at home. Pip symbolizes all that is good and stable in Ahab's life, and he wants to be able to proctect and preserve that.

Lisa Elizondo and Cailin Loyd

posted by Lisa @ 9:36 AM