Response Journal Week 3-Amani

Our reading for this week exposed what seems like the purpose of Melville's story. Ishmael and Queequeg have finally begun their voyage and now the reader knows where they're going. The story is no longer solely about Ishmael and Queequeg; lots of new characters have been introduced and are now part of the story. Ahab is the most interesting character and the driving force behind the plot. His desire to seek vengeance on Moby-Dick (The Great White Whale) has given a purpose to the crew's voyage. Although most of the crew has nothing to gain from finding Moby-Dick, their Captain Ahab is able to persuade them. I agree with Kalil in his point about the contrast the reader sees in Ahab's personality. Ahab is inaccessible to the crew despite his ability to make them all excited about pursuing an adventure only significant to Ahab. Starbuck seems to be the only voice of reason. He says: “How many barrels will thy vengeance yield thee even if thou gettest it, Captain Ahab?” (139). He makes a valid point. There is nothing to gain from vengeance.
I think an important theme to understand in this book is one about fate. All of the individuals Ishmael encounters seem to have the same understanding of fate. They believe it exists and that they can’t change it. Ishmael especially allows fate to take its course. One of the reasons he goes to the sea is because the mysteriousness of it attracts him. Ishmael doesn’t have a plan. He follows his “instinct” he says in the first few chapters. Ahab is the only one who doesn't obey the laws of fate. Despite Starbuck’s foresight of the expedition’s failure, Ahab believes he can control his destiny. Ahab is unwilling to admit that there are forces stronger than him. His own ignorance will be his destruction. This is incredibly similar to the Greek tragedies we read in seminar. Ahab acts in the same way as the tragic heroes who try to defy their fate. These heroes fail, are punished, and ultimately come to respect the gods. Moby-Dick is the embodiment of everything evil and all the misfortunes in Ahab’s life (156). He seeks to destroy the whale because it is a way for him to have control; something I don’t think he’s had in a while.