NCHS AP English Language

Mary Elaine Libby Brett Question 5

Using the same rhetoric such as Hamlet and Iago, Ahab demonstares a violent behavior after being enlightened that Moby Dick will defeat him. He speaks in the same tone as Hamlet questioning the world's unobvious truths. He also seeks for a higher morale as Iago did. This soliloquy suggests a delusional behavior. This challenge self conciously causes him to become "demoniac" and the quote “The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run” demonstrates what he will endure to achieve the death of Moby Dick. This challenge becomes not ony an attmept to acheive revenge from Moby Dick but also an attack upon the world's violent nature. First reading chapter 37 he seems pyscho and ambitious to kill Moby Dick for personal growth and greed, whereas the underlying message is actually one of genious and sterotypical hero's journey. It appears Moby Dick is a victim of the outside world and is simply attempting to be a great influence to the crew and save them from the negative influences of their modern soceity. This leaves the reader to ponder if Ahab is the protagonist or antagonist. It also leaves the reader to wonder if Ahab is trying to defeat God and overcome his fate. This reinforces Ahabs powerful and dictatorail behavior.

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