NCHS AP English Language

Moby Dick chapter 2 interpretations - Nathan Sheptock

Throughout chapter two, Ismael encounters numerous signs and situations which are possibly symbolic of his journey to come. Most of what he encounters has a negative connotation and serves to remind him of his restlessness, loneliness, and misfortune on land. The ashbox reminds him of the city of Gommorah which God destroyed out of rage; the sermon which he accidentally walks in on in which the subject of Black Parliament sitting in Tophet is being preached could represent the final judgment which one must face when in Tophet(biblical site now representative of Hell); the mourning Church members, symbolic of the mourning of those who inhabit Hell; the reference to the word coffin, used in the inns proprietor's last name; the strong wind, named Euroclydon, which threatens to destroy the small, dilapidated inn which he chooses to stay in much like the biblical character Paul's ship; and the reference to the biblical character Lazarus who, like him is poor and cold on this land and can only be "rich" when he leaves it. All these references help to further Ishmael's yearning to leave his restless soul on land for the freedom of the sea, and his dismay when he must stay inland, which only brings about ominous foreshadowings of his future and the inevitable judgment which he must face.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 3:23 PM