An Analysis of
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The Quadrant
An Analysis of Chapter 118
Tone
Foreboding, Frantic, Contemplative
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Clear - (4) | Explosive - (5) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Ahab contemplates his destiny and the limitations of science, rejecting his quadrant in frustration and commanding the ship toward his fateful encounter with Moby Dick.
In more detail...
As the Pequod approaches the equator, Ahab takes his daily observation of the sun with a quadrant, attempting to determine his latitude. The intense sun and cloudless sky evoke thoughts of omnipotence and fate, prompting Ahab to question the quadrant's ability to guide him to Moby Dick or the future. He grows angry with the instrument's limitations, casting it away and declaring that he will navigate by traditional methods. While this occurs, the Parsee kneels, observing the sun and Ahab with detached resignation. After Ahab's outburst, the crew grows uneasy, and Ahab, trying to regain control, orders the ship's course changed. The crew responds, and Starbuck reflects on life's transient nature. Stubb comments on Ahab's relentless pursuit of his fate, likening it to a game that Ahab is determined to play out.
Characters
- Ahab
- About - Ahab, the captain of the Pequod, is obsessed with finding Moby Dick. In this chapter, he passionately contemplates fate and destiny, expresses frustration with the limitations of science and navigation tools, and orders a change of course towards his final confrontation with the whale.
- Personality Traits - Obsessive, defiant, and capitulating to neither man nor fate. Possesses a commanding presence.
- Physical Characteristics - One-legged with an ivory prosthesis. Weathered and intense, with evidence of his age and seafaring life etched upon his face.
- Character Connections
- The Parsee - Observes Ahab with passive resignation, symbolizing his own entwined fate with Ahab's.
- Starbuck - Starbuck watches Ahab and the ship, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the captain's relentless pursuit.
- Stubb - Overhears Ahab's mutterings and compares life to a game that Ahab is fully engaged in.
- The Parsee
- About - The Parsee, Ahab's harpooneer, is present on deck and silently observes the same sun as Ahab during the process of determining the ship's latitude. He represents stoic acceptance of fate, in contrast to Ahab's defiance.
- Personality Traits - Resigned and silent, almost seeming to embody fate itself.
- Physical Characteristics - Dark-skinned with half-hooded eyes. His wild face is described as subdued to passionlessness.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - Shares an unspoken connection with Ahab, silently observing and likely understanding Ahab's torment and the captain's connection to Moby Dick.
- Starbuck
- About - Starbuck, the first mate, watches the ship's response to Ahab's command and contemplates the transience of life as well as Ahab's journey and obsession.
- Personality Traits - Rational, reflective, and concerned with the welfare of the crew and ship.
- Physical Characteristics - Sturdy and composed, with a look that can be both thoughtful and filled with concern.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - His superior, whose quest he deeply questions, reflecting on Ahab's choices and their potential consequences.
- Stubb
- About - Stubb, the second mate, comments on Ahab's musings, offering a perspective that champions the embrace of one's destined role and the challenge it presents.
- Personality Traits - Generally lighthearted, irreverent, and philosophical in his own right.
- Physical Characteristics - A cheerful, stout man known for his easygoing demeanor.
- Character Connections
- Ahab - His captain, toward whom Stubb maintains a level of respect and philosophical detachment.