Moby Dick

The idea of whaling is one that is central to the plot of the novel, which is evident even in the book’s introductory chapters. What I found most interesting thus far, is the way in which the idea of whaling is depicted in the novel. Already on the first page we learn that whenever Ishmael feels “it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul” he goes to sea, and describes these actions as “my substitute for pistol and ball” (Melville 1). Later in the novel we see that whaling also serves the purpose of uniting men of different races.  At first when Captain Peleg meets Queequeg, after previously agreeing to allow him to sail with them, he says that “he had not suspected my friend was a cannibal, and furthermore announcing that he let no cannibals on board that craft.” (Melville 84).  However, after seeing Queequeg’s talent with a harpoon, the captains are quick to overlook his religious and racial background and accept him as part of their crew.  These circumstances seem to create an image of whaling as very powerful, and this idea is reiterated by the seeming reverence that is paid to the whale, the practice of whaling, and to those people who dare to practice it in the novel. An example of this would be in the introduction of Father Mapple, when Melville writes “No one having previously heard his story, could for the first time behold Father Mapple without the upmost interest” (Melville 36) because of the “adventurous maritime life” (Melville 36) that he led.

While in these cases whaling, while still for the most part shrouded in mystery, seems to have positive benefits, the depiction of the activity throughout the novel is much less positive.  It is interesting that despite the great respect people seem to have for whaling and all that surrounds it, it is continuously depicted as very dark, and sometimes seems to be associated with death. In fact even the Pequod itself seems to be a symbol of death. It is not only named after a tribe of Indians that are no longer in existence, but it is also covered in whale bones, teeth and dark paint (Melville 66).  It makes sense that the imagery surrounding such a violent and dangerous pursuit would be dark, and perhaps it is this danger that inspires such awe towards those who dare to attempt such a feat.

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