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Moby Dick

Written by Herman Melville in 1851, Moby Dick is a story of obsession and revenge. Captain Ahab cannot give up his hunt after losing his leg to the whale.

572 Questions

What does Melville mean when he describes Ahab as being tormented by far other hammers?

When Melville describes Ahab as being tormented by "far other hammers," he is suggesting that Ahab's suffering and obsession go beyond the typical challenges faced by others. Ahab's inner turmoil and relentless pursuit of revenge against Moby Dick are driven by deeper, more complex forces that set him apart from those around him.

In Herman Melville and Moby-Dick best describes Ahab and personality?

In "Moby-Dick," Captain Ahab is depicted as a complex and obsessive character driven by his monomaniacal pursuit of revenge against the white whale, Moby Dick. Ahab's personality is characterized by his intense determination, psychological turmoil, and descent into madness as he becomes consumed by his quest for vengeance.

What is Ahab's sole intention in undertaking the voyage?

Ahab's sole intention in undertaking the voyage in Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" is to seek revenge on the white whale, Moby Dick, which had maimed him on a previous voyage. Ahab becomes obsessed with the pursuit of the whale, viewing it as a symbol of the ultimate challenge and his quest for personal vindication.

How is Moby Dick an allegory?

Moby Dick is considered an allegory in the sense that it explores deeper themes and ideas beyond its literal story of a man seeking revenge on a whale. The character of Captain Ahab can be seen as representing the human quest for power, obsession, or the struggle against fate. The novel's themes of the destructive nature of obsession and man's relationship with the natural world lend themselves to allegorical interpretations.

How did Captain Ahab check the angle of the sun?

Captain Ahab checked the angle of the sun by using a navigational instrument called a quadrant. This tool allowed him to measure the angle of the sun above the horizon and determine the ship's position.

Who was Ahabs wife?

If you are referring to Ahab in The Bible, then that would be Jezebel.

What bad news did Starbucks tell captain Ahab?

some of the oilcasks in the hold of the ship were leaking

When one of the Pequod's crewmembers fell into the ocean while removing spermaceti oil from a whale what happened next in the story?

Captain Ahab decides to continue pursuing Moby Dick, despite the crew member falling overboard. The crew holds a memorial service for him, but for Ahab, the hunt for the white whale takes precedence over everything else.

Who urged Ahab to abandon his quest for the white whale and return to Nantucket?

Starbuck, the first mate of the Pequod, urged Captain Ahab to abandon his quest for the white whale and return to Nantucket due to concerns for the crew's safety and the consequences of Ahab's obsession.

Who attempted to lash down the Pequod's top main sail during the storm?

Starbuck attempted to lash down the Pequod's top main sail during the storm.

In moby-dick what does ishmael symbolize?

Ishmael in "Moby-Dick" can symbolize the outsider, the observer, and the narrator who provides an alternate perspective to the events of the novel. His journey on the Pequod also reflects the human desire for adventure and discovery, as well as the complexity of individual identity and relationships.

On the first day of the hunt who did Ahab ask to take command of the Pequod?

On the first day of the hunt, Captain Ahab asked Starbuck to take command of the Pequod while he pursued his personal vendetta against Moby Dick.

When the long boats were lowered to pursue the first whale sighted by the crew what surprised the crewmembers?

The crewmembers were surprised by the size and power of the whale. They were also amazed at the speed at which it swam away from the ship. Additionally, they were struck by the emotions stirred within them as they prepared to hunt such a magnificent creature.

Who and what is yojo from Moby-Dick?

Yojo is a mysterious, unseen figure mentioned in "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. It is described as the unknown god worshipped by Queequeg, one of the main characters in the novel. Yojo represents Queequeg's religious beliefs and cultural background as a pagan.

Is moby dick and in the heart of the sea about the same event?

Yes, both "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville and "In the Heart of the Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick are inspired by the real-life sinking of the whaleship Essex. "Moby-Dick" is a novel that fictionalizes the event, while "In the Heart of the Sea" is a historical account of what happened to the crew of the Essex.

Which of these characters was killed by Moby Dick the great white whale?

Captain Ahab was killed by Moby Dick, the great white whale, in the novel "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. Ahab's obsessive quest to hunt down and kill the whale ultimately leads to his demise in a final showdown between man and beast.

What is unusual about the pulpit in Moby Dick?

The pulpit in "Moby Dick" is unique because it is shaped like the prow of a ship, giving the impression that the preacher is guiding a vessel through the sea of faith. This design serves as a thematic connection to the novel's maritime setting and themes of exploration and adventure.

What two literary terms are used in this passage from Moby Dick by Herman Melville Stealing unawares upon the whale in the fancied security of the middle of solitary seas you find him unbent?

The full passage is:

Fourth: Stealing unawares upon the whale in the fancied security of the middle of solitary seas, you find him unbent from the vast corpulence of his dignity, and kitten-like, he plays on the ocean as if it were a hearth. But still you see his power in his play. The broad palms of his tail are flirted high into the air; then smiting the surface, the thunderous concussion resounds for miles. You would almost think a great gun had been discharged; and if you noticed the light wreath of vapor from the spiracle at his other extremity, you would think that that was the smoke from the touch-hole.

Fifth: As in the ordinary floating posture of the leviathan the flukes lie considerably below the level of his back, they are then completely out of sight beneath the surface; but when he is about to plunge into the deeps, his entire flukes with at least thirty feet of his body are tossed erect in the air, and so remain vibrating a moment, till they downwards shoot out of view. Excepting the sublime breach--somewhere else to be described--this peaking of the whale's flukes is perhaps the grandest sight to be seen in all animated nature. Out of the bottomless profundities the gigantic tail seems spasmodically snatching at the highest heaven. So in dreams, have I seen majestic Satan thrusting forth his tormented colossal claw from the flame Baltic of Hell.

Melville uses personification, metaphor, and simile.

Which literary term was used when the surgeon on the Samuel Enderby told Ahab that he should leave Moby Dick alone because he was so dangerous?

The literary term used in this instance is foreshadowing. The surgeon's warning about the danger of Moby Dick hints at the conflict and consequences that may arise from Ahab's obsessive pursuit of the whale.

Who lashed down the Pequod's anchor during the storm?

Ishmael lashed down the Pequod's anchor during the storm.

Who won the Dick Butkus Award in 2005?

Paul Posluszny of Penn State won the Dick Butkus Award in 2005.

What supernatural qualities do the sailors attribute to Moby-Dick?

Sailors attribute supernatural qualities to Moby-Dick, believing he is a cursed whale that brings misfortune and death to those who pursue him. They see him as a malevolent force of nature, almost mythical in his ability to outwit and destroy even the most experienced hunters. Some see Moby-Dick as a symbol of the unknowable and dangerous aspects of the world's oceans.