Sunday, November 12, 2006

Pip n' Ahab and ship names (MSnider, Shundt, ATaylor)

After Pip returns from being lost at sea, the crew believes that the young boy has gone mad. Ahab, after a similar experience, was also driven mad. Some day after the incident, Pip comes up to Ahab wearing his clothes and leg. Suddenly Ahab sees something in this boy and calls him his "reflection" suggesting that they are equal, even though in reality Ahab is at the top of the chain and Pip is at the bottom. This can be compared to a relationship between a king and his jester. The king is amused by the lowly jester but one day finds out that they are not so dissimilar. It could just be the king’s insanity, but it can also mean his enlightenment. Pip makes Ahab feel as though he is not so alone in the world. He thinks, "Here is this boy who is just like me. I will take him in and care for him! He shall be my new pet!" People tend to like for their pets to be similar to them, or else they will not get along. Just as a king and his jester. The jester must have the same taste as the king, or the jester will soon be without a job.

Pequod- The Pequod was named after the once powerful Pequot Indians. The name of the tribe meant “destroyer”. A war with colonists caused the Pequot’s strength and population to diminish. This can relate to Ahab thinking of himself so highly but after a “war” with Moby Dick, his sanity begins to atrophy. The destruction of the Pequod also symbolizes the death of Indian culture.
Jeroboam- Jeroboam from the bible was a king who worshipped false gods. The crew of the Jeroboam can be related to this because while they were supposed to be following their true captain, they instead followed another man who usurped his power.
Virgin- The Virgin’s captain is unexperienced and quite without oil. The captain cares about the needs of the ship but is inept and is trying to learn as he goes. This leads them to much suffering and loss. The Virgin in biblical terms could refer to Mary and the needs of her and her family, and in the same way she ends up suffering because of the loss of her son.
Rose-bud- The Bouton de Rose’s captain is on this voyage for fun. He is also inexperienced and used to be in the cologne business. The crew actually knows what they are doing though, which causes them to disrespect their captain. This glorifies the working class and shows the stupidity of the upper class.
Delight- This is rather ironic. The ship is named “delight” when actually the captain is quite sad. He has lost his men and he honors and appreciates them. This ship symbolizes a democratic leader who actually cares about his crew.
Samuel Enderby- This captain is much like Ahab, he is respected by his crew and lost an arm to Moby Dick, though he is not crazy. He has led his crew to success dealing with loss but still being a good leader. The name “Samuel Enderby” comes from a great whaling family.
Bachelor- This captain is experienced and has already led his crew to success and distributed the wealth. Now the ship is just one big party that Ahab is offered to join, but he declines the offer.
Rachel- The Rachel from the bible was married to Jacob (after 7 years of work) but she was barren. She longed for a child just as the captain of the Rachel longed to find his lost son. Later, God blesses Rachel allowing her to give birth to Joseph and Benjamin. This can be compared to the Rachel’s finding of Ishmael.

Michelle Snider, Seanna Hundt, and Allison Taylor

posted by Ellen @ 8:52 PM