A Comparison Of Starbuck And Ahab In Moby-Dick
In Moby–Dick by Herman Melville, the contrast between Starbuck and Ahab reveals more about Ahab than what the reader sees through Ishmael's eyes. Since Ishmael is an unreliable narrator, Starbuck's religious views, characteristics, and appearance highlight certain parts of Ahab that Ishmael doesn't realize or share with the reader. Starbuck and Ahab's differing religious views show why Ahab has such an obsession with killing Moby Dick. When introducing the Pequod's mates, Ishmael describes Starbuck as "a Quaker by descent" (101) and "uncommonly conscientious for a seaman, and endued with a deep natural reverence" (102). Christianity has been a part of Starbuck's life for generations, and like his religious beliefs dictate, he kills whales because whaling is his job, not because he takes pleasure in ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...In his description of Starbuck, Ishmael says, "his pure tight skin was an excellent fit; and closely wrapped up in it, and embalmed with inner health and strength, like a revivified Egyptian, this Starbuck seemed prepared to endure for long ages to come" (102). Starbuck looks like a strong whaler: he is in shape and has energy that will last him a long time. But though Ahab leads the Pequod, he looks much worse for wear. Not only does he have a huge scar and a whale bone for a leg, he has a "grim aspect" (109) about him, and looks "like a man cut away from the stake" (108). Ahab's wild, mishmash body shows he doesn't care that his body is deteriorating or that he is getting old. All he cares about is finding and killing Moby Dick. But like his scar and peg leg, Ahab might take his mission too far and permanently injure the crew, or worse, lose his men permanently. The description of the men shows more than just their appearance – it reflects their decisions and hints at their future actions that could affect their lives and the lives of their
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...
No comments:
Post a Comment