NCHS AP English Language

Chapter 2 Allusions Catherine Samson and Jessica Huff

As Ishmael walks through the streets of New Bedford, he encounters "the Black Parliament sitting in Tophet." Tophet was a place in Jerusalem where children were sacrificed and now is a representation of hell. He tries to leave as quickly as possible and searches for a more promising place to stay. He finds "The Spouter Inn: - Peter Coffin." The name Coffin appears to have a deeper meaning considering he just left hell. Ishmael states that the inn looked rather "dilapidated" as if the great winds of Euroclydon passed through it. Euroclydon was a great tempestuous wind in the Mediterranean, which destroyed Paul the apostle's ship. Ishmael compares himself to Lazarus who is a biblical figure who was poor on earth but rich in heaven. Later Ishmael refers to old Dives who in the parable of Lazarus and was rich on earth and did not make it into heaven. Ishmael is Lazarus and is outside in the cold as the harsh winds of Euroclydon blow. Eventually, Ishmael decides to enter into the inn.
-Catherine Samson & Jessica Huff

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 9:16 AM