An Analysis of
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The Forge
An Analysis of Chapter 113
Tone
Foreboding, Intense, And Somewhat Metaphysical Or Symbolic.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart-pounding - (5) | Clear - (4) | Hostile - (4) | A decent amount - (3) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Ahab visits the forge where Perth, the blacksmith, is working. Ahab requests the creation of a special harpoon to kill Moby Dick and takes an active role in its forging, including his crew in the process.
In more detail...
Ahab approaches the ship's blacksmith, Perth, who is working at his forge. They discuss the nature of scars and suffering, and Ahab commissions a harpoon designed to kill the White Whale. The blacksmith uses steel from horse-shoe stubs for strength, and various members of the crew contribute their blood to temper the harpoon, which Ahab himself helps to forge. The chapter culminates in the completed weapon, which Ahab carries away, followed by a hauntingly piteous laugh from Pip, prompting an ominous atmosphere as Ahab leaves with his new weapon.
Characters
- Queequeg
- About - Queequeg is mentioned alongside Tashtego and Daggoo as part of the group from whom Ahab requests blood to temper the harpoon.
- Personality Traits - Like Tashtego, Queequeg is implied to be cooperative and integrally involved in the captain's endeavor.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Assists Ahab by providing blood for the harpoon's tempering process.
- Daggoo
- About - Daggoo is one of the sailors called upon by Ahab to contribute his blood for the harpoon's forging.
- Personality Traits - Participates willingly in Ahab's intense and symbolic harpoon forging ritual.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Is involved in the creation of the harpoon by giving blood at Ahab's request.
- Pip
- About - Pip briefly appears at the end of the chapter, where his piteous laugh is heartbreakingly heard.
- Personality Traits - Pip is characterized as being distracted and haunted, evidenced by his 'idle but unresting eye' and 'strange mummeries'.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Mocks Ahab's actions with his laugh, reflecting the dark tragedy of the situation.
- Tashtego
- About - Tashtego is mentioned as one of the pagans that Ahab calls upon to contribute his blood to temper the harpoon.
- Personality Traits - Implied to be cooperative and engaged in Ahab's quest by consenting to the bloodletting.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Assists Ahab by contributing blood to the forging of the harpoon.
- Ahab
- About - Ahab is the captain of the Pequod who directs the construction of a harpoon designed to kill Moby Dick. He is deeply involved in the process, dictating its creation and even participating in the forge-work himself.
- Personality Traits - Ahab appears obsessed, intense, and emotionally scarred by his past experiences, especially his encounter with Moby Dick.
- Physical Characteristics - Ahab is described with a 'matted beard' and is known for his ivory leg.
- Character Connections
- Perth - Interacts with him at the forge and directs him in creating the harpoon.
- Perth
- About - Perth is the ship's blacksmith. He is seen working on his anvil at the forge and converses with Ahab about the harpoon he is commissioned to make.
- Personality Traits - Perth comes across as experienced and capable, willing to engage with Captain Ahab's harrowing task.
- Physical Characteristics - Described with a 'matted beard,' wearing a 'bristling shark-skin apron.'
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Receives instructions from Ahab to make a harpoon meant for Moby Dick.