An Analysis of
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The Musket
An Analysis of Chapter 123
Tone
Grim, Suspenseful, Contemplative
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Clear - (4) | Explosive - (5) | A little - (2) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Starbuck grapples with the thought of taking Ahab's life to prevent further doom but ultimately decides not to act on it.
In more detail...
As the Pequod sails through the typhoon, its crew works to regain control of the ship. Starbuck and Stubb manage to remove the damaged sails and set a storm-trysail to help navigate through the tumultuous waters. With the wind turning favorable, spirits are lifted, and orders are placed to steer the ship east-south-east. Starbuck then goes to inform Captain Ahab of the course correction. Outside Ahab's cabin, Starbuck contemplates using a musket to end Ahab's life. His inner turmoil is evident as he weighs the potential salvation of the crew against the act of murder. Ultimately, hearing Ahab's tormented sleep-talking and being unable to reconcile with the weight of taking a life, Starbuck abstains, leaves the musket, and has Stubb go to inform Ahab of the ship's status.
Characters
- Starbuck
- About - First Mate Starbuck battles his conscience over whether to kill Captain Ahab to save the crew, ultimately abstaining from action.
- Personality Traits - Moral, conflicted, responsible, and deeply introspective.
- Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter, but depicted earlier as a Quaker, sturdy and strong.
- Character Connections
- Captain Ahab - Subordinate to Ahab, Starbuck is tormented by Ahab's monomaniacal pursuit of Moby Dick, and he considers assassinating Ahab to prevent further harm.
- Stubb - Colleague to Stubb, who he instructs to inform Ahab about the ship's status.
- Captain Ahab
- About - Ahab remains mostly asleep, muttering in his dreams, unaware of Starbuck's inner turmoil and contemplations.
- Personality Traits - Obsessed, relentless, possibly insane, and tyrannical in his quest for Moby Dick.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in detail in this chapter, but known to be a gaunt man with a scarred face and a peg leg made from whalebone.
- Character Connections
- Starbuck - Ahab is the captain of the ship Starbuck serves on, and the target of Starbuck's contemplated violence.
- Stubb
- About - Stubb makes a brief appearance being instructed by Starbuck to go down and inform Captain Ahab about the situation.
- Personality Traits - Generally jovial, easy-going, and inclined to follow orders without the depth of contemplation shown by Starbuck.
- Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter, he is generally portrayed as cheerful and carefree.
- Character Connections
- Starbuck - Stubb acts under Starbuck's command to go and inform Captain Ahab about the ship's position and situation.