Loomings

 

Introduction

This chapter sets the tone and the metaphysical under pinnings of the entire novel. It bears patience and understanding.

Answer these questions after you have read the chapter.

Questions

Answer the following questions fully in your journal.

1. Who was Ishmael?

Why is that an appropriate name for the main character?

2. What is the tone of the narrator?

What words establish this tone?

Is this the tone you would expect?

3. Why does he go to sea?

What are the attractions of the sea?

Is that attraction true for everyone?

Explain.

4. Why does he go to sea "before the mast"?

Do you suppose there are reasons that he doesn’t tell you?

5. Complete the quote "Who ain’t a slave..."

What might an answer to that rhetorical question be?

How does that relate to Emerson?

Continued on next page

Loomings, Continued

6. What role do the Fates have in this story?

7. What mention does Melville end the chapter with?

Discussion Question

Does the prairie have the same lure as the sea? What else has that attraction?

 

The Carpetbag

 

Introduction

Like some chapters, this inter chapter addresses some interesting issues, but only briefly.

Questions

Answer the following questions after you have finished the chapter.

1. Which port does he choose to leave from?

Why?

What was it’s status in whaling at the time?

What does that tell you about Ishmael?

2. What is "Euroclydon"

Why use that name?

 

 

The Spouter Inn

 

Introduction

This is one of the most important and interesting chapters in Moby Dick. Melville writes a comic story that deals with all his precious whales, but also with racism. How would you like to share a bed with a head-hunter?

Questions

Answer the following questions while you read the chapter.

1. What is the painting Ishmael is trying so hard to decipher?

Paintings used in writing always have a specific meaning. Why do you suppose Melville included this work?

2. Describe the bar part of the Inn?

3. What does a "scrimshander" do?

4. Why won’t he sleep with the Harpooneer?

5. How does the landlord increases his nervousness about the harpooneer?

6. What odd things does Queequeg do before going to bed?

Why does Ishmael stay in bed?

Why does Melville mention that it is "the best sleep he has ever had."

 

Thought Question

Who is more of the outcast in this chapter, Queequeg or Ishmael? Explain..

How is this a chapter that involves prejudice? Do you think Ishmael is having a prejudiced reaction when he doesn’t want to share a bed with Queequeg?