Response Journal Week 8-Amani

I also enjoyed “The Castaway.” Ishmael’s analysis of the character Pip is really interesting. It reiterated the themes of fate and divinity that were discussed by Ishmael in previous chapters. After falling into the sea for the second time, Pip is left there for a long time. When he finally comes out, he appears to be crazy. Pip’s insanity is due to his time in the ocean. The power of the ocean transforms Pip; it overcomes him. Though many of the crew believed Pip was crazy, Ishmael says that he thought he was wise. Pip has fought with the ocean, and survived. Pip’s insanity reminds me of Ahab’s. They both battled with the ocean and the whale (Pip gets tangled in the line used to catch the whale).
“The Doubloon” was also a significant chapter. The chapter includes the characters aboard The Pequod's reactions to a golden coin found on the ship. Many of them find symbolic meaning for the coin. The Manxman predicts that they will see the White Whale in a month and a day. It will be interesting to see if that happens. Pip states that the coin is the ship's "navel"-a navel being what holds the ship together. Could this mean something for the future of The Pequod? This doubloon according to Pip is very significant to the fate of the crew. Maybe it's significance comes from what it symbolizes or what can be depicted from it, for example Manxman's prediction. Stubb interprets the zodiac on the coin as an allegory for life.
"Leg and Arm: The Pequod, of Nantucket, Meets the Samuel Enderby, of London" This chapter showed the encounter between Captain Ahab and Captain Boomer, the captain of Samuel Enderby (which we find out later is the first whaling ship to leave England). Both captains discuss the loss of their limbs at the hand of Moby-Dick. Although Boomer is greatful to have survived and never wants to see the White Whale again, Ahab seeks to know which way the whale went. Captain Boomer leads a much older ship, he knows what he's talking about. Ahab should follow his advice. Ahab's refusal to accept the fate that awaits him when he finds Moby-Dick foreshadows his destruction. The whale/ocean/god whatever that is driving fate, has warned him.