NCHS AP English Language

#10 Spirit Spout

In chapter 51, Fedallah claims to see a “silvery jet” that “looked celestial” and had “the same precision as if it had been day.” Basically, Fedallah keeps seeing a white spot in the same place on the horizon. Ishmael names it the mid-night spout and says it is seen again after a few days. He goes on to assert that this spout is of the same whale, and that whale is Moby Dick (of course). The crew is very superstitious in that they all see the mysterious spot on the horizon, and then all claim it must be Moby Dick! The Pequod follows this phantom spirit-spout wherever it goes. The spout is leading them on and on, and assuming the spout is Moby Dick, leading them to destruction in the “most remote and savage seas.” The spout is a bad omen of Moby Dick conquering Ahab again, thought Ahab keeps close watch on the compass and where the ship is going. The ship is consequently heading into a storm, perhaps multiple squalls, but Ahab is standing, his fake leg “inserted into its accustomed hole,” waiting to kill Moby Dick.
In conclusion, the “Spirit-Spout” as the chapter is titled, is the phantom Moby Dick, playing with the crew of the Pequod, almost daring it to continue on its pursuit. It mysteriously shows up in the same spot every day and also mysteriously leads them place that is definitely not smart for a whaling vessel to go. As usual, this all goes back to Captain Ahab’s crazy notion of killing Moby Dick. This spout is seen as a portent to danger, avoidable danger at that.

posted by Caroline Ward @ 9:53 PM