NCHS AP English Language

#6 Chapter 38- Alissa Davis and Lindsay Miller

According to Merriam-Webster, a trope is a word or expression used in a figurative sense/an overused or common theme or device. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/trope

Starbuck, after Ahab persuaded the crew to pursue Moby Dick, has to have some time alone to think. As he is thinking and saying to himself, he says he sees his "miserable office," and that he must obey Ahab even though he is a "horrible old man" and a "madman." As time passes, the dark and mysterious character of Ahab becomes very apparent. And although Starbuck does not agree with Ahab's plan, the demigorgon they are searching after is the white whale. Thus the central trope is Starbuck saying "the white whale is their demigorgon." This metaphor that starbuck uses parallels how Ahab feels about the malevolent whale, that killing it is the greatest feat and it must be killed at any cost. Although Ahab seems to convince most of the rest of the crew to carry out this tedious and seemingly impossible task, Starbuck disagrees that this is a good use of resources and time since it is only one whale.

posted by Anonymous @ 8:08 AM