NCHS AP English Language

QUESTION NUMBER 3 NUMINOUS BY CAILIN LOYD

3. Numinous by definition is pertaining to the supernatural, or divine, holy events. Ishamael, in Moby Dick, was touched by the numinous in his relationship with Queequeg and his idol Yojo, and his experiences in the Church and with the prophet. Ishamael, an archetypal outcast, finds himself pressed into a rooming situation with a large, island man named Queequeg who kept his idol Yojo close to him and followed his "advice" or "law." Because of Queequeg's faith in Yojo, Ishmael does not implicate that he does not believe in this "divine" relic (for Queequeg), but experiences it nonetheless. Also, the numinous is present in the Church service, with the radical preacher and references to Satan and hell, which are both supernatural. The prophet who predicts the Pequod's tragic end, or prophecy, tells Ishmael what is to come to the Pequod, but Ishmael disregards him and goes aboard anyway. Numinous or the supernatural force is present in the prophet and in his prophecy.

Numinous-numinous \NOO-min-us; NYOO-\, adjective:
1. Of or pertaining to a numen; supernatural.
2. Indicating or suggesting the presence of a god; divine; holy.
3. Inspiring awe and reverence; spiritual.



BY CAILIN LOYD

posted by Lisa @ 2:48 PM