Most interpretations of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick have a central focus on the evolution of Captain Ahab’s characterization. However, while Ahab’s journey offers a multitude of allegorical insight, other remarkable characters are disregarded by researchers in favor of Captain Ahab. One such character is the narrator of the story, Ishmael. He is depicted as only a passive viewer in the tale of Ahab and the white whale, but Ishmael has his own development in Moby Dick. Indeed, Ishmael grows as he dredges through the ambiguity of life, portrayed to him through contrasting elements. Ishmael’s journey is influenced both spiritually and mentally as he tries to discern the dichotomy that is presented to him through his experiences and the characters
…show more content…
In fact, historian Brandy Schillace indicates the two different perspectives that they embody in this quote, “Loved and hated almost from the first, Moby Dick has become, in latter years, most primarily considered from two perspectives: The Religious Quest and the Man’s Quest…” (2012) Her statement emphasizes that these are two very distinct characters with Mapple’s religious aspect and Ahab’s quest against the whale. However, these men do not only represent the varying context between religion and humanity. Each represents either truth or falsehood, a dichotomy that Ishmael must determine. A deeper consideration of chapter 9 in Moby Dick reveals a parallel between Father Mapple and truth. “Delight is to him, who gives no quarter of the truth, and kills, burns, and destroys all sin though he pluck it out from under the robes of Senators and Judges.” (Melville 42) With his sermon, Mapple is urging people to search below the surface of falsehood in the world to uncover the truth beneath. Mapple believes that this will help people to follow God’s will and better themselves. Alternatively, in chapter 36, “The Quaterdeck”, Captain Ahab states a different method of piercing through the fabrication of the surface world. “If a man will strike, strike through the mask! How can a prisoner reach …show more content…
Therefore, Fedallah has driven Captain Ahab from his Quaker background and influenced him enough to change his beliefs. While Queequeg provides positive influence and comradery for Ishmael, Fedallah is an overall malevolent presence for Captain Ahab that drives him further from humanity. With these two relationships, Ishmael is able to learn true comradery and with this information he is able to grow closer to other people. Then, both his mentality and spirituality improve drastically, especially when compared to the beginning of the
In fact, historian Brandy Schillace indicates the two different perspectives that they embody in this quote, “Loved and hated almost from the first, Moby Dick has become, in latter years, most primarily considered from two perspectives: The Religious Quest and the Man’s Quest…” (2012) Her statement emphasizes that these are two very distinct characters with Mapple’s religious aspect and Ahab’s quest against the whale. However, these men do not only represent the varying context between religion and humanity. Each represents either truth or falsehood, a dichotomy that Ishmael must determine. A deeper consideration of chapter 9 in Moby Dick reveals a parallel between Father Mapple and truth. “Delight is to him, who gives no quarter of the truth, and kills, burns, and destroys all sin though he pluck it out from under the robes of Senators and Judges.” (Melville 42) With his sermon, Mapple is urging people to search below the surface of falsehood in the world to uncover the truth beneath. Mapple believes that this will help people to follow God’s will and better themselves. Alternatively, in chapter 36, “The Quaterdeck”, Captain Ahab states a different method of piercing through the fabrication of the surface world. “If a man will strike, strike through the mask! How can a prisoner reach …show more content…
Therefore, Fedallah has driven Captain Ahab from his Quaker background and influenced him enough to change his beliefs. While Queequeg provides positive influence and comradery for Ishmael, Fedallah is an overall malevolent presence for Captain Ahab that drives him further from humanity. With these two relationships, Ishmael is able to learn true comradery and with this information he is able to grow closer to other people. Then, both his mentality and spirituality improve drastically, especially when compared to the beginning of the