NCHS AP English Language

Shimarah Mehrotra- Questions 5 & 10

5.Ch. 37 "Sunset"- This is a soliloquy . What is the essential statement Ahab makes? Research Ahab's psychology with regard to monomania.

Ahab’s soliloquy in this chapter expresses his sole determination to destroy Moby Dick. Ahab almost challenges the whale that took his leg to try to escape him, saying, “Come, Ahab’s compliments to ye; come and see if ye can swerve me.” He acknowledges people’s opinions that he is “mad” and the fact that Moby Dick fulfilled the prophecy that he would be dismembered. Ahab is the perfect example of a monomaniac because he focuses all of his time and energy on one goal- destroying Moby Dick.

10. Ch. 51, What is the "Spirit- Spout"?

The “Spirit- Spout” is a “silvery jet” that Fedallah spots one night from the masthead. When Fedallah uttered the words “There she blows!”, he caught the attention of all of the crew because he was not one of many words. However, when Ahab rushed to see the sight, it had disappeared for the night. The spout appeared quite a few times after that, and every time it disappeared, almost as if to tantalize the sailors and especially Ahab. Many believed it was the same whale presenting itself- Moby Dick. After these sightings, the ship had an extremely melancholy mood and Ahab was completely entranced by this recent sighting, spending most of his time gazing out to sea in search of the supposed Moby Dick.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 8:49 AM