NCHS AP English Language

Kyle Smith #5 Sunset

5. Read Chapter 37 (Sunset). This is a soliloquy. What is the essential statement Ahab makes? Research Ahab's psychology with regard to monomania.


Monomania is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessive about one thing in particular. Ahab describes his desire to catch the whale that had taken his leg many years before this adventure. In other words, Moby Dick is Ahab's monomanic figure. This is proven when Ahab shouts, "I've willed; and what I've willed, i will do!" He seems to have an imaginary conversation with the giant whale in his own solioquy which proves he is obsessed with this sea creature. His sollioquy will serve as a foreshadowing of what is about to come later in the story. Either his obsession with Moby Dick will pay off and signal for the downfall for the Pequod, the crew, and most important, his own self.


Kyle Smith

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 7:56 AM