An Analysis of
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The Cabin-Table
An Analysis of Chapter 34
Tone
Contrasting; Formal And Constrained Among The Officers, Boisterous And Democratic Among The Harpooneers.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxed - (2) | Clear - (4) | Calm - (2) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Ahab and his officers dine in silence, each absorbed in their duty and deference to the captain, while the harpooneers eat with raucous freedom in the cabin.
In more detail...
As the Pequod sails, the hierarchy of the ship is reflected in the dining habits of its crew. Captain Ahab, with an air of reserved authority, dines with his first mate, Starbuck, who in turn invites the second mate, Stubb, to eat. Stubb then informs the third mate, Flask, and they all display a deferential manner towards Ahab despite their boldness on deck. The chapter details the constrained, almost ceremonial atmosphere of the captains' table in contrast with the boisterous, relaxed mood of the harpooneers' feast. Flask, the lowest-ranking officer, often ends up with the least food and reflects on the irony of his position, hungry for a simpler life, whilst Ahab is silent and disconnected, except for a moment when he allows a commotion from a rat to break the silence.
Characters
- Ahab
- About - Ahab dines quietly, exuding a commanding presence that demands the respect and silence of his officers, and he remains aloof during the dinner.
- Personality Traits - Imperious and solitary, Ahab has a sense of authority that creates an atmosphere of reverence among his crew. He also remains internally preoccupied and distant from others.
- Physical Characteristics - Ahab is depicted with an 'ivory leg' and a 'pale loaf-of-bread face', suggesting his age and the physical toll of his whaling life.
- Character Connections
- Starbuck - Starbuck is Ahab's first mate who quietly obeys and respects him, highlighting the captain's dominant role.
- Stubb - Stubb, the second mate, follows Starbuck's cue in behaving deferentially towards Ahab during dinner.
- Flask - Flask is the third mate who is the last to be notified about dinner, showing the rigid hierarchy of the officers under Ahab.
- Starbuck
- About - Starbuck conveys the dinner announcement to Stubb with a touch of 'pleasantness', and during the meal, he is very respectful towards Ahab.
- Personality Traits - Starbuck displays a composed and reflective personality with a sense of duty and respect towards hierarchy.
- Physical Characteristics - Starbuck's physical appearance isn't described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - He serves under Ahab and exemplifies the first layer of deference to the captain's authority.
- Stubb - Stubb is Starbuck's immediate subordinate, and Starbuck passes on the dinner invitation to him.
- Stubb
- About - Stubb gently shakes the main brace before notifying Flask about dinner, and he too behaves with reverence at Ahab's table.
- Personality Traits - He seems to be practical and mindful of ship's safety, but also follows the social order quietly.
- Physical Characteristics - Stubb's physical appearance isn't described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Starbuck - Stubb receives orders from Starbuck and follows his lead.
- Flask - As Flask's superior, Stubb carries forward the dinner invitation to him.
- Flask
- About - Flask dances joyfully alone on the deck before entering the cabin for dinner, where he must assume a humbler demeanor. He reflects on the hunger that comes with his rank and longs for the simpler life of an ordinary sailor.
- Personality Traits - Flask exhibits a mix of playful energy and a grumbling dissatisfaction with his station, hinting at a deeper sense of resentment.
- Physical Characteristics - Flask's physical appearance isn't directly described in this chapter, but he is implied to be the smallest of the mates.
- Character Connections
- Stubb - As the third mate, Flask answers to Stubb and is the last to be informed about mealtimes.
- Ahab - Despite his antics, Flask shows a great deal of restraint and submission in Ahab's presence, indicating a complex relationship with authority.