TOTAL DOMINATION PART 4-THE MARK OF AHAB
2. Research and discuss Ahab's "mark" (cf. Mark of Cain). Closely read and constellate all of Ahab's major qualities.
In Genesis, Cain commits fratricide when he slays his brother Abel out of jealousy. Although the reason is not stated, God clearly prefers Abel's gift over Cain's. This vengeful attitude causes Cain to murder Abel. This same sort of attitude can be seen in Captain Ahab's actions. Ahab cannot stand that Moby Dick got the best of him (his leg, his pride, and other physical scars), and so is extremely compelled to fight back and to overwhelm Moby Dick. The "mark of Cain" could be paralleled to the scars that Ahab bears from his run-in with the whale. Both signify past experiences, or shortcomings, that have shaped who the two men are. Cain was not able to overcome his jealousy of his brother, and so gave in to his feelings. Ahab was not able to overcome the whale, and so is left with physical and emotional damage. The physical damage that befalls him is his "mark", seen by other people as a sign to stay away from him, just as Cain's mark bestowed on him by God is to protect him from the wrath of others.
Lisa Elizondo
posted by Lisa @ 9:52 AM
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