An Analysis of
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The Ship
An Analysis of Chapter 16
Tone
Curious, Ambivalent, Mystical
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Calm - (2) | A lot - (4) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Ishmael prepares to select a whaling vessel and is influenced by Queequeg's idol, Yojo, to make the choice alone. He surveys the available ships and decides on the Pequod, meeting its eccentric co-owner, Peleg, and hearing of the mysterious Captain Ahab.
In more detail...
Ishmael is inclined to rely on Queequeg's judgment for choosing their whaling ship, but Queequeg insists that Ishmael must make the decision alone, as directed by his god, Yojo. Ishmael reluctantly agrees and examines several ships, finally choosing the Pequod, captivated by its character and the descriptions of its enigmatic captain, Ahab. In the process, Ishmael meets Peleg and Bildad, the Pequod's co-owners, who represent contrasting Quaker views. Peleg shares stories of Ahab's experience and peculiarities, including his loss of a leg to the white whale, which piques Ishmael's interest and concern.
Characters
- Ishmael
- About - Ishmael, following Queequeg's wishes influenced by the idol Yojo, takes it upon himself to choose their whaling ship, ultimately selecting the Pequod and being hired by its co-owner Peleg.
- Personality Traits - Curious, adaptable, determined, somewhat superstitious
- Physical Characteristics - Ishmael's physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Queequeg - Shipmate and friend who exerts significant influence over Ishmael's decision-making in this chapter.
- Peleg - Co-owner of the Pequod who hires Ishmael and tells him about Captain Ahab.
- Yojo - Queequeg's idol, whose supposed wish directs Ishmael to choose the ship.
- Queequeg
- About - He entrusts the decision of selecting the ship to Ishmael, based on advice from his idol Yojo, and remains in their lodgings during the day.
- Personality Traits - Spiritual, diligent, trusting
- Physical Characteristics - Queequeg's physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Ishmael - His shipmate and friend he entrusts with the selection of their whaling vessel.
- Yojo - His idol, which he believes directs him and Ishmael on their journey.
- Captain Peleg
- About - Peleg, a brusque and candid man, is the co-owner of the Pequod who negotiates Ishmael's contract and shares information about the mysterious Captain Ahab.
- Personality Traits - Loud, gruff, authoritative, yet shows moments of kindness and concern.
- Physical Characteristics - An elderly man, brown and brawny, heavily dressed in blue pilot-cloth with a peculiar network of wrinkles around the eyes.
- Character Connections
- Captain Bildad - His fellow Quaker and co-owner of the Pequod, though they often have contrasting views.
- Ishmael - He negotiates Ishmael's contract and attempts to assuage his concerns about Captain Ahab.
- Captain Bildad
- About - The Quaker and co-owner of the Pequod who advocates for a conservatively low lay share for Ishmael and appears devoutly religious and frugal.
- Personality Traits - Stern, frugal, pious, and somewhat severe.
- Physical Characteristics - Elderly, thin, frugally dressed in Quaker style.
- Character Connections
- Captain Peleg - Co-owner of the Pequod with contrasting personality and less conservative views.
- Ishmael - Participates in setting the terms of Ishmael's employment on the Pequod.
- Captain Ahab
- About - The captain of the Pequod, mentioned by Peleg, who is described as a mysterious and experienced seaman that has suffered a great loss at sea.
- Personality Traits - Described as moody, savage at times, ungodly, and god-like; piques Ishmael's curiosity and awe.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter but known to have lost a leg.