An Analysis of
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Queequeg in His Coffin
An Analysis of Chapter 110
Tone
Reflective, Somber, Mystical
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Clear - (4) | Hostile - (4) | Complete - (5) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Queequeg, the harpooneer, falls ill and nearly succumbs to death. Preparing for the end, he requests a coffin built similar to the canoes of his homeland. Surprisingly, he recovers after the coffin is made, and uses it as a chest for his belongings.
In more detail...
While the ship is at sea, the crew works to uncover the source of a leak and Queequeg falls seriously ill. As the situation looks grim, Queequeg requests a coffin be made for him similar to the canoes from his native island. The carpenter constructs it from dark wood, incorporating Queequeg's harpoon and personal effects to honor his customs and wishes. However, after the coffin is completed and Queequeg tests it, he has a change of heart. He decides that he has unfinished business and cannot die yet, leading to a miraculous recovery. He then repurposes the coffin as a sea-chest, carving it with intricate drawings and treating it as a functional piece of his seafaring equipment.
Characters
- Queequeg
- About - Falls gravely ill and prepares for death by commissioning a coffin, then experiences a miraculous recovery and uses the coffin as a sea-chest.
- Personality Traits - Stoic, reflective, possessing an inner strength and calm acceptance of fate, with the ability to surprise everyone with his resilience.
- Physical Characteristics - Tattooed, strong, a 'pagan' of Pacific Island descent with a commanding presence.
- Character Connections
- The Carpenter - Queequeg tasks the carpenter with building his coffin, which the carpenter does with accurate measures and efficient work.
- Pip - Shows concern and care for Queequeg in his ill state, symbolizing their bond.
- Ishmael - A friend and shipmate, concerned for Queequeg's health and wellbeing.
- Starbuck - Observes the scene and reflects on the nature of life and death, and how people revert to their primal or childhood state in delirium.
- The Carpenter
- About - Builds Queequeg's coffin to exact specifications with indifferent efficiency.
- Personality Traits - Professional, indifferent and practical in carrying out his duties.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in detail.
- Character Connections
- Queequeg - He is tasked by Queequeg to make the coffin, and does so without question, showing his role as a support character and following orders from the crew.
- Pip
- About - Shows deep emotional connection to Queequeg in his sick state, mourning the possibility of his death.
- Personality Traits - Sensitive, emotional, caring, and somewhat effervescent.
- Physical Characteristics - A young black boy, previously a ship's cabin-boy.
- Character Connections
- Queequeg - Emotionally connected and caring towards Queequeg, showing concern for his health.
- Starbuck
- About - Reflects on Pip's behavior and the mysterious nature of death and the human mind.
- Personality Traits - Thoughtful, contemplative, philosophical.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Pip - Considers Pip's actions and words, using them as a point of philosophical reflection.
- Queequeg - Observes Queequeg during his illness and reflects on his state.