NCHS AP English Language

Part 5 "Sunset"- Emily Rew

Chapter 37 is Ahab's soliloquy that he makes in his cabin as the sun is setting. Ahab talks mostly about his demonic attitude, hsi quest for Moby Dick, and how he can overcome and trumph all obstacles before him. The essential statment that Ahab makes in this soliloquy is "They think me mad-Starbuck does; but im demoniac, im madness maddened!"

Ih this quote, Ahab finally reconciles himself with the fact that he is being a maniac about the revenge for Moby Dick and says that the prophesy said he shoudl be dismemebered but then makes a new prophesy that he will "dismember his dismemeberer." Ahab shows no fear at all in confronting his enemy.

Monomania is esentially being obssesed wiht one aspect of something in life to the very highest and most compulsive degree. Ahab believes that his quest is to pursue the white whale and nothing else can swerve him or knock him down. He says that "the path to my fixed purpose is laid wiht iron rails, wheron my soul is grooved to run." This means that his life goals are pointed in one main direction and nothing can distract him from his goal. He challenges Moby Dick to come face off agisnt him and come out of hiding from wherever he is. Monomania can also be confused wiht passion for a subject, but clearly Ahab's quest for moby dick has much more meaning than just passion for whaling, it is actual revenge.

good analysis 5/5

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 11:19 PM