NCHS AP English Language

TOTAL DOMINATION PART 5-NUMINOSITY

3) Rework your notes and research on the numinous into a coherent argument that demonstrates how Ishmael was touched by the numinous and what the implications might be.

nu·mi·nous (nm-ns, ny-)

Pertaining to the supernatural
Something that makes you believe in something "wholly other", such as a deity
From the Latin "numen" which means divine will.


When Ishmael wakes from his slumber in the inn, he finds Queequeg's arm around him in a loving, but strange gesture. He is immediately reminded of a time during his childhood when he felt the spiritual presence of his mother while he was sleeping. Ishmael's stepmother had sent him to bed in the afternoon, and while he was trying to sleep, he felt the hand of his mother upon his shoulder. Some would call this a numinous experience. It was highly spiritual, and definitely supernatural, because his mother was not physically present. Queequeg's arm around Ishamel took him back to this time. Because it was so unexpected, it seemed almost surreal. Ishmael has a similar experience with the whale later in chapter 41. He describes how large the whale is and how awesome, but terrifying, he is. Now, his persepective has changed from one of complete fear, to one of awe and fear.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/numinous

posted by Lisa @ 8:56 PM