NCHS AP English Language

Ch2 Interpretation

Ch2 refers alot to the Bible. First, it refers to "sitting in Tophet". In the Bible, Tophet became a symbol for hell and in "Hebrew toph = drum, because drums were used to drown the cries of children; or from the Hebrew taph or toph = to burn." (Wikipedia). It also refers to Lazarus who was a poor beggar at the rich man's table in one of Jesus's stories, and was also raised from the dead. Then It refers to Dives, who was the rich man in the same story as Lazarus.

Peter Coffin, the owner of The Spouter-Inn, references to the Tophet and earlier in Ch1, it references to Ishmael "finding [himself] involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral [he] meets". The Spouter refers to the a whale's spout. It is a forshadowing Ishmael's later adventure for Moby Dick.

Lastly, it refers to Euroclydon. Euroclydon is a tempestuous and strong Mediterranean. This can also be refered to the Bible since it is in the Mediterranean. While reading Moby Dick, you have to read in between the lines to get the meaning and depth of the story.



-Amanda Phan & Samantha Sauza

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 8:06 AM