NCHS AP English Language

questions 1 & 2- Shimarah Mehrotra & Kelsey Marsh

1. Create a vertical scheme of the Pequod’s hierarchy using the concept of the Great Chain of Being.

The Great Chain of Being starts at the top with the most valued members of the Pequod and the "importance" of each character decreases as the chain goes down and ends, in this case, with the cabin boy of the ship.

Captain/ main owners of the Pequod: Ahab, Peleg, & Bildad
First mate: Starbuck
Second mate: Stubb
Third mate: Flask
The mates' harpooners: Queequeg, Tashtego, & Daggoo
Crew: Ishmael, Fedallah...?, etc.
Cabin boy: Pip

2. Research and discuss Ahab’s “mark” (cf. the Mark of Cain). Closely read and constellate Ahab’s major qualities.

Both Cain and Ahab had marks of some kind. Cain's mark, which God gave him so that he would be protected from those who would want to harm him because of his wrongdoings, is spiritual. However, Ahab's mark is physical and presumably from Moby Dick. Ahab's scar extends from his "crown to sole". Cain's mark represents the paradoxical mystery: God protects Cain from harm even though he has killed his brother. Since Ahab's mark is supposedly from Moby Dick, it serves as a warning to those who come across the leg- taking whale.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 8:13 AM