An Analysis of
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The Mat-Maker
An Analysis of Chapter 47
Tone
Contemplative And Meditative During The Mat-Making, Which Shifts To Excitement And Alertness With Tashtego'S Discovery, Ending With A Sense Of Intrigue Or Foreboding As Attention Turns To Ahab.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Clear - (4) | Calm - (2) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Ishmael and Queequeg engage in the meditative task of weaving a mat for their boat, which evokes in Ishmael philosophical thoughts on fate and destiny. Their calm is interrupted when Tashtego spots a school of whales, setting the crew into a flurry of activity.
In more detail...
On a sultry afternoon, with the crew in a state of languidness, Ishmael serves as Queequeg's attendant in the weaving of a sword-mat, a task that fills Ishmael with introspection about the interplay of necessity, chance, and free will in shaping destiny. The rhythm of their task and the mesmerizing environment induce a hypnotic state that is shattered by the wild cries of Tashtego, who has spotted whales. The crew instantly springs into action, making preparations for the hunt. The chapter closes as an inexplicable change occurs with Ahab becoming the focus, surrounded by 'five dusky phantoms,' drawing everyone's attention away from the quarry.
Characters
- Ishmael
- About - Ishmael serves as Queequeg's aide in the weaving of the mat and experiences deep philosophical thoughts about life and destiny. He is startled by Tashtego's cries which interrupt the meditative work.
- Personality Traits - Introspective, philosophical, attentive to detail, capable of deep concentration.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Queequeg - Friend and shipmate, actively engaged in weaving a mat together.
- Tashtego - Alerted by his cries about the whale sighting.
- Ahab - Drawn to him at the close of the chapter when Ahab is surrounded by mysterious figures.
- Queequeg
- About - Engaging in the creation of a sword-mat with Ishmael, Queequeg performs his task with a blend of indifference and focus, influencing Ishmael's philosophical musings. He is depicted as working on the mat without giving much obvious attention to his task.
- Personality Traits - Focused, composed, indifferent.
- Physical Characteristics - Not specifically mentioned in this chapter, but previously described as a powerfully built, tattooed Polynesian harpooner.
- Character Connections
- Ishmael - Working closely with Ishmael on the mat-making.
- Tashtego
- About - As a lookout, he spots the whales and alerts the crew with his cries, setting the ship into a flurry of action. His cries are distinct and contribute to the narrative's shift from contemplation to action.
- Personality Traits - Vigilant, eager.
- Physical Characteristics - Described as being high aloft in the cross-trees with an eager body posture, an outstretched hand, and a striking vocal cadence.
- Character Connections
- All crew members - His sighting impacts every member of the crew as they prepare for the whaling hunt.
- Ahab
- About - Ahab makes a brief but impactful appearance at the end of the chapter when he is surrounded by mysterious figures, drawing the attention of the crew and readers alike.
- Personality Traits - Commanding, intense.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in detail here, but known from previous chapters as a grim, one-legged man with a fierce personality.
- Character Connections
- Crew - As the captain, he has authority over the entire crew.
- Five dusky phantoms - Surrounded by and seemingly commanding these mysterious figures.