All about Queequeg from Herman Melville's
Moby Dick

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All about Queequeg

Queequeg made an appearance in 32 chapters

Here's a summary of what happened...
Initially mistaken for a fearsome presence, Queequeg is revealed to be a considerate and respectful individual, albeit with peculiar habits.
Queequeg is found snuggled up to Ishmael in bed, sleeps through attempts to wake him, and then carries out his unique morning ritual, including an unusual shave with his harpoon.
Sits at the head of the breakfast table, displays eccentric behavior by eating with his harpoon, and remains unbothered by social norms.
Mentioned in retrospect as the odd individual Ishmael saw integrating into civilized society.
Queequeg joins Ishmael in the chapel, where his outsider status is emphasized-unable to read, he observes the goings-on with an air of 'incredulous curiosity'.
Queequeg performs personal rituals, engages Ishmael in conversation and a smoking session, and declares a strong friendship with him, sharing his wealth and his beliefs generously.
Queequeg shows affection to Ishmael, shares his pipe, and begins to tell his personal history.
Queequeg is outlined as a native from the mysterious island of Rokovoko, possessed with royal lineage and a strong determination to see the world beyond his home. He undergoes a transformative journey from a prince aspiring to learn from Christians to a disillusioned whaleman, deciding to return to the sea rather than reclaim his birthright.
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.
Queequeg joins Ishmael for supper at the Try Pots and is present during their amusing dinner interaction with Mrs. Hussey.
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.
Queequeg spends the day in spiritual observance, fasting and meditating, causing concern to Ishmael. Despite Ishmael's later attempts to reason with him about his rituals, Queequeg remains silent and unresponsive, demonstrating his deep commitment to his beliefs.
Initially discriminated against, Queequeg showcases his exceptional harpooning skills and confidently signs the ship's papers with his marked tattoo, earning his place on the crew.
Although Queequeg's actions are minimal in this chapter, he is present throughout the exchange with Elijah, and it is implied that he shares Ishmael's sentiment that Elijah seems to be mad.
Queequeg is getting ready to board the Pequod, assisting in the final loading of his and Ishmael's belongings, and preparing for the voyage ahead.
Queequeg accompanies Ishmael in boarding the ship and shares cultural insights. He also exhibits patience and a nonchalant attitude towards Elijah's mysterious behavior.
Queequeg is previously known to the reader and simply mentioned here as the harpooneer aligned with Starbuck, the chief mate.
Queequeg is present among the crew during Ahab's rallying speech and is involved in the discourse about Moby Dick.
Engaging in the creation of a sword-mat with Ishmael, Queequeg performs his task with a blend of indifference and focus, influencing Ishmael's philosophical musings. He is depicted as working on the mat without giving much obvious attention to his task.
While not a focal point in this chapter, Queequeg's alertness helps in spotting the looming ship through the mist, ultimately aiding in the crew's rescue.
Queequeg receives Ishmael's request to act as his lawyer and executor without much emotion, having become accustomed to the dangers of whaling.
Queequeg is actively involved in the chapter's conflict against the sharks, showing both his bravery and skill. He almost loses his hand to a dead shark, showcasing the danger he faces. His reflection on the divine creator of sharks demonstrates his personal understanding of spirituality that combines his pagan beliefs with his experience.
A skilled harpooneer, he courageously balances on the whale's back while conducting the dangerous task of cutting-in, serves as the primary focus of Ishmael's reflections on the interconnectedness of sailors.
The Polynesian harpooneer Queequeg heroically saves Tashtego by diving into the whale's head, performing what the narrator refers to as 'obstetrics on the run.'
Participates in the whale hunt as one of the experienced harpooneers, contributing to the Pequod's success.
Queequeg greases the whaleboat with determination, possibly acting on a premonition, which portrays his dedication and forethought in whaling activities.
Queequeg actively participates in the whale chase and is instrumental in handling the harpoons and managing the boat in the midst of the hunt.
Although Queequeg's specific reflections are not detailed, his behavior indicates a lack of interest or understanding of the doubloon's symbolic value.
Falls gravely ill and prepares for death by commissioning a coffin, then experiences a miraculous recovery and uses the coffin as a sea-chest.
Queequeg is mentioned alongside Tashtego and Daggoo as part of the group from whom Ahab requests blood to temper the harpoon.
Although Queequeg does not actively participate in this chapter, his previously crafted coffin becomes the central object by being transformed into a life-buoy.
Queequeg is not directly present, but his coffin becomes a life-saving buoy for Ishmael.

Queequeg's Relationships

A summary of Queequeg's 24 connections to Ishmael, by chapter.

Chapter 3 - The Spouter-Inn: Becomes Ishmael's unexpected bedfellow and demonstrates kindness towards him.
Chapter 4 - The Counterpane: Shares a bed with Ishmael at the Spouter-Inn and inadvertently becomes the subject of Ishmael's cultural reflections.
Chapter 5 - Breakfast: Roommate and observed by Ishmael.
Chapter 6 - The Street: Ishmael reflects on his initial impression of Queequeg in society.
Chapter 7 - The Chapel: Observed by Queequeg upon Ishmael's entrance into the chapel, sharing a quiet camaraderie.
Chapter 10 - A Bosom Friend: Declared Ishmael his 'wife' in his cultural context, indicating a deep friendship.
Chapter 11 - Nightgown: Shares a bed with Ishmael, indicating a close bond, and begins to share his personal history with him
Chapter 12 - Biographical: Narrator of the story and Queequeg's friend, who shares his plans to join a whaling voyage; Queequeg decides to accompany him, epitomizing their deepening friendship.
Chapter 13 - Wheelbarrow: Queequeg's new friend and companion on the impending whaling journey.
Chapter 15 - Chowder: His companion
Chapter 16 - The Ship: His shipmate and friend he entrusts with the selection of their whaling vessel.
Chapter 17 - The Ramadan: Queequeg is Ishmael's friend, but he remains unresponsive to Ishmael's attempts to communicate during his fast.
Chapter 18 - His Mark: Friend and defender who vouches for his character and church membership.
Chapter 19 - The Prophet: His friend and fellow crew member with whom he converses and interacts during this encounter.
Chapter 20 - All Astir: Close companion and friend, preparing for the voyage together.
Chapter 21 - Going Aboard: Travel companions and friends, sharing cultural insights and boarding the Pequod together.
Chapter 47 - The Mat-Maker: Working closely with Ishmael on the mat-making.
Chapter 49 - The Hyena: Close friend, shipmate on the Pequod, and the person who asks him to be the executor of his will.
Chapter 72 - The Monkey-Rope: Connected by the monkey-rope, sharing a significant bond and a mutual dependence during the flensing process.
Chapter 87 - The Grand Armada: They share a strong bond and friendship, having signed up for the voyage together.
Chapter 99 - The Doubloon: His close friend and shipmate.
Chapter 110 - Queequeg in His Coffin: A friend and shipmate, concerned for Queequeg's health and wellbeing.
Chapter 135 - The Chase - Third Day: His coffin, which he previously had built during an illness, becomes the means for Ishmael's survival.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Captain, by chapter.

Chapter 12 - Biographical: The captain of the ship that Queequeg forces himself onto, who eventually relents and accepts Queequeg as a member of his crew.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to The Greenhorn, by chapter.

Chapter 13 - Wheelbarrow: A young sailor who initially mocks Queequeg but is later saved by him.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to The Captain, by chapter.

Chapter 13 - Wheelbarrow: He is first antagonistic towards Queequeg but then extends his apologies after witnessing Queequeg's heroic act.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Mrs. Hussey, by chapter.

Chapter 15 - Chowder: Interacts with her when served supper

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Yojo, by chapter.

Chapter 16 - The Ship: His idol, which he believes directs him and Ishmael on their journey.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Captain Bildad, by chapter.

Chapter 18 - His Mark: Expresses concern for Queequeg's soul but is swayed to allow him to join the crew after witnessing his skill.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Captain Peleg, by chapter.

Chapter 18 - His Mark: Initially skeptical but impressed by Queequeg's skills, decides to accept him aboard.

A summary of Queequeg's 1 connection to Captain Ahab, by chapter.

Chapter 81 - The Pequod Meets The Virgin: Serves under Ahab's command.