An Analysis of
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The Chase - Third Day
An Analysis of Chapter 135
Tone
The Tone Is Intense, Somber, And Tragic, With A Touch Of Fatalism And The Suggestion Of The Supernatural Or Divine Intervention In Human Affairs.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart-pounding - (5) | Clear - (4) | Explosive - (5) | Complete - (5) | Fast-paced - (5) |
Basically...
The Pequod continues its chase of Moby Dick, with Ahab obsessively pursuing the whale. A final encounter occurs, resulting in the destruction of the ship and the death of Ahab, with Ishmael being the sole survivor.
In more detail...
On the third day of the chase, the Pequod's crew remains vigilant in their search for Moby Dick. Ahab reflects on his obsession and fate, rejecting contemplation for action. Starbuck senses doom and contemplates the tension between duty to Ahab and obedience to God. As Moby Dick is sighted, Ahab gives chase with the boats. In the ensuing confrontation, the white whale destroys the boats and evades Ahab. Despite the danger, Ahab continues the chase and delivers a fierce monologue before finally hurling his harpoon at Moby Dick. The line gets caught around Ahab, pulling him under to his death. The whale then smashes into the Pequod, causing it to sink. Ishmael survives by floating on Queequeg's coffin until rescued by the Rachel. The chapter ends with the Pequod and the rest of her crew being pulled into the depths of the ocean.
Characters
- Ishmael
- About - Ishmael is the sole survivor of the Pequod. He manages to stay afloat on Queequeg's coffin and is eventually rescued by the ship Rachel.
- Personality Traits - Ishmael is observant, reflective, and ultimately resilient in the face of tragedy.
- Physical Characteristics - While not described in this chapter, Ishmael is typically imagined as a young, able-bodied sailor.
- Character Connections
- Queequeg - Uses Queequeg's coffin, repurposed as a life buoy, to survive the Pequod's destruction.
- Ahab - Serves under Captain Ahab and is witness to his obsessive and fatal pursuit of Moby Dick.
- Ahab
- About - In his relentless pursuit of Moby Dick, Ahab is ultimately killed when the whale drags him under the sea.
- Personality Traits - Obsessive, vengeful, and monomaniacal, he is utterly consumed by his pursuit of the white whale.
- Physical Characteristics - Ahab is an imposing figure with a weathered, determined face and a leg made of whalebone.
- Character Connections
- Starbuck - His first mate who is concerned for Ahab's soul and the fate of the Pequod.
- Moby Dick - His nemesis, the white whale he seeks to kill.
- Starbuck
- About - Starbuck, the first mate of the Pequod, fears for the safety of the ship and crew and experiences internal conflict about his loyalty to Ahab.
- Personality Traits - He is rational, cautious, and morally conflicted, yet loyal to his captain.
- Physical Characteristics - Starbuck has a serious and gaunt expression, accentuating his somber temperament.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - His captain, whose orders he follows despite his own misgivings.
- Moby Dick
- About - The white whale is relentless and nearly indestructible, ultimately destroying the Pequod and eluding the harpooners.
- Personality Traits - Vengeful or perhaps simply instinctive, Moby Dick symbolizes nature's powerful and indifferent force.
- Physical Characteristics - Moby Dick is depicted as a massive, white sperm whale, often anthropomorphized with references to his intelligent and cunning nature.
- Queequeg
- About - Queequeg is not directly present, but his coffin becomes a life-saving buoy for Ishmael.
- Personality Traits - Brave, noble, and deeply superstitious, he is a loyal friend to Ishmael.
- Physical Characteristics - He is a powerfully-built Pacific Islander with tattoos covering his body.
- Character Connections
- Ishmael - His coffin, which he previously had built during an illness, becomes the means for Ishmael's survival.