An Analysis of
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The Sphynx
An Analysis of Chapter 70
Tone
The Tone Of This Chapter Is Contemplative And Eerie, With A Deep Sense Of Unease And A Desire For Understanding The Unknowable.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Clear - (4) | Calm - (2) | None - (1) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Ahab contemplates the severed head of the sperm whale, comparing it to the Sphynx and yearning for the secrets it holds about the deep sea and its past encounters.
In more detail...
In this chapter, the physical task of beheading the leviathan is described as a skilled and scientific feat, highly esteemed among experienced whale surgeons. The complexities and dangers of this process are highlighted, emphasizing the sailor's pride in accomplishing it. Upon completing the task, the whalers suspend the sperm whale's enormous head alongside the ship. In a moment of calm, Captain Ahab comes to gaze intently at the dead creature's head, addressing it in a soliloquy that seeks to pry into the wisdom and experiences of the ancient being. Ahab's musings are interrupted when a lookout spots another whale, signalling a return to the hunt and a temporary suspension of Ahab's metaphysical inquiries.
Characters
- Captain Ahab
- About - Ahab engages in a deep monologue with the severed whale head, searching for meaning and understanding of the creature's past and the deep sea's secrets. His meditative state is interrupted by the cry of sighting another whale, which briefly snaps him back to the present reality.
- Personality Traits - He is introspective, curious, and solemn in this chapter, exhibiting his characteristic obsession and his tendency to brood over philosophical questions.
- Physical Characteristics - Ahab's physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter, but he is known for his grim aspect, his peg leg, and his overall imposing presence.
- Character Connections
- The Sperm Whale - The whale, now beheaded and stripped of its body, is the object of Ahab's intense contemplation and serves as a symbol of nature's secrets and the unknown.
- The Sperm Whale
- About - The whale's head, beheaded and suspended beside the ship, is the silent subject of Ahab's soliloquy and is used to reflect on the deeper truths of nature and the experiences hidden in the depths of the sea.
- Personality Traits - As the whale is deceased, it does not exhibit personality traits but rather serves as a canvas for Ahab's projections.
- Physical Characteristics - The whale's head is described as an enormous, blood-dripping, black and hooded mass, with a comparison to the biblical Holofernes.
- Character Connections
- Captain Ahab - Ahab is the whale's contemplator, seeing the whale's head as a reservoir of knowledge and past experiences.