An Analysis of Herman Melville's
Moby Dick

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Wheelbarrow

An Analysis of Chapter 13

Tone

Comical, Amiable, Adventurous

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Thrilling - (4) Crystal-clear - (5) There's some - (3) A lot - (4) Quick - (4)

Basically...

Ishmael and Queequeg form an unlikely friendship, load their things onto a wheelbarrow, and board the packet schooner 'the Moss'. Queequeg saves a greenhorn's life during a potentially fatal accident at sea.

In more detail...

On Monday morning, Ishmael settles their bill using Queequeg's money and reflects on their surprising friendship, which amuses the townspeople. They wheel their possessions, including Queequeg's cherished harpoon, down to a Nantucket packet schooner named 'the Moss'. People are intrigued by their camaraderie, and Queequeg shares cultural stories from his island. Once on board, Queequeg demonstrates extraordinary strength and quick thinking by saving a greenhorn who had been mocking him, after a sudden accident on the ship. This act turns the ship's crew in favor of Queequeg, with the captain apologizing to him. The chapter ends with Queequeg's modest reaction to the incident.
Characters
  • Ishmael
    • About - Ishmael is the narrator of the story who develops a deep respect for Queequeg following their unusual companionship. He partakes in the journey aboard 'the Moss' and witnesses Queequeg's heroism.
    • Personality Traits - Observant, contemplative, open-minded, and has a strong narrative voice.
    • Physical Characteristics - Ishmael's physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Queequeg - Ishmael's friend and companion, with whom he is about to embark on a whaling voyage.
  • Queequeg
    • About - Queequeg, a Polynesian harpooner, showcases his strength and dexterity by saving the day aboard 'the Moss'. Despite being a stranger in a new environment, he displays courage and quiet humility.
    • Personality Traits - Strong, dexterous, courageous, humorous, and modest.
    • Physical Characteristics - Tall, brawny, with a tattooed face and filed, pointed teeth.
    • Character Connections
      • Ishmael - Queequeg's new friend and companion on the impending whaling journey.
      • The Captain - He is first antagonistic towards Queequeg but then extends his apologies after witnessing Queequeg's heroic act.
      • The Greenhorn - A young sailor who initially mocks Queequeg but is later saved by him.
  • The Captain
    • About - The unnamed captain in this chapter first misjudges Queequeg but ultimately recognizes Queequeg's bravery and offers an apology.
    • Personality Traits - Authoritative and initially quick to judgment, yet capable of admitting his mistake.
    • Physical Characteristics - Physical characteristics are not specified other than him being described as 'a gaunt rib of the sea'.
    • Character Connections
      • Queequeg - Apologizes to Queequeg after the latter saves the greenhorn's life.
  • The Greenhorn
    • About - A young sailor who foolishly mocks Queequeg and nearly loses his life in an accident but is saved by Queequeg.
    • Personality Traits - Naive and inexperienced, as indicated by his behavior and the term 'greenhorn'.
    • Physical Characteristics - There are no specific physical characteristics described, though he is implied to be less physically imposing than Queequeg.
    • Character Connections
      • Queequeg - Is mocked by the greenhorn but later saved by him in a display of both strength and compassion.