1.
1.. The Parsee prophesies to
Ahab. What are the three things he tells
Ahab about his own death?
2.. Chapter 119 gives us the most dramatic scene
yet--Ahab defying God, the masts burning, the harpoon flashing, Starbuck
calling for mutiny. What is going on here? Explain the scene and the significance of
what happens.
3. What is the function of chapters 120-122?
4. "Starbuck seemed wrestling with an
angel" (573). What do these lines
refer to? Discuss the sub-plot of
Starbuck's character development.
5. Explain the strange phenomenon of the
compasses. How is it a metaphor for the
attitude and behavior of Ahab and the crew?
6. Explain the relationship between Ahab and
Pip. How are they the same--how
different?
7. Coffins are one of the motifs of the
book. Explain the strange paradox of Queequeg's coffin in chapter 126.
8. Collect some metaphors and similes: list five of each (quote each one and provide
a page number).
9. The Rachel (another biblical allusion, by the
way) approaches. What news does she
carry? What is Ahab's response?
10. Why does Ahab tell Pip to remain below
deck? How does he feel
"threatened" by the poor boy?
11. In chapter 130, Ahab muses about his crew--he
doubts that he can trust his mates to sight the white whale--he trusts only one
of them. Which one? Why?
How is this ironic?
12. In "The Symphony," we see the
humanity of Ahab. What happens? How close does Ahab come to abandoning his
fatal quest?
13. Who first sights Moby Dick?
14. Describe the first day of the chase.
15. Describe the second day. Who is lost?
What other omens do they see?
16. The third day--what is the significance of
this three?
17. Describe the last encounter with the
whale. Explain the fulfillment of the prophecy,
part by part.
18. Describe the scene on the Pequod
as she sinks. What does it signify?
19.
To the end, Starbuck insists that the whale is but a beast. Is he right?
If not, what is he? Give reasons
for your answer.
20. Who finds Ishmael? How is this ironic, symbolic, and fitting?
21. What is the connection between the first
chapter and the epilogue?
2. Vocabulary:
1. Egregious:
Conspicuously bad or offensive.
2. Ephemeral:
Lasting for a markedly brief time.
3. Epicure:
A person with refined taste, especially in food and wine.
4. Ersatz:
Being an imitation or a substitute, usually an inferior one; artificial.
5. Fecundity:
The quality or power of producing abundantly; fruitfulness or fertility.
6. Focaccia: A flat Italian bread
traditionally flavored with olive oil and salt, often topped with herbs.
7. Fusty:
Smelling of mildew or decay; musty; old-fashioned, antique.
8. Gossamer:
Sheer, light, and delicate.
9. Halcyon:
Calm and peaceful; tranquil; prosperous, golden.
10. Hiatus:
A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break.