Journal #2

Although “Moby Dick” is classified as a novel, the authors decides to incorporate other genres of writing in some chapters; each genre is used to achieve its own goal. Chapter 32 (Cetology) is similar to a science paper, where Ishmael feels the need to explain to the audience about different species of whales. It seems like a science paper because not only does he define what is considered a whale, but he also classifies them into major groups (Books) and then into small species group (Chapters) on page 133. Another genre that is assimilated into the narrative is that of a play. This genre of writing can be seen primarily on chapter 40 (Midnight, Forecastle). Chapter 40 starts with stage directions (169), which is a strong indication for a play-like writing. In addition to that, the format of dialogue is changed in order to look more similar to a play. I believe the author decided to stray from his normal writing format because he wanted to emphasize the festiveness in the boat to create a “calm before the storm” mood. This mood however would end after their first encounter with a whale in chapter 48 (The First Lowering).

The use of foreshadow is very apparent in this section. One example of that is when one sailor claims to hear a weird noise (195) on chapter 43 (Hark!) and assumes that there is an intruder hiding in the ship. The same sailor says that he heard Flask talking about the same subject (196). We later find out that those hiding men were the “five dusky phantoms” mentioned at the end of chapter 47 (The Mat-Maker, 215). Another example of a foreshadow can be seen in Starbuck’s hesitancy to agree with his captain’s motives for this voyage. He says that he enlisted to “hunt whales and not his commander’s vengeance” (161). Their first and unsuccessful whaling experience (223) see in chapter 48 shows how deadly and destructive whales can be. My prediction is that they are going to find Moby Dick, and she will ultimately destroy the crew, which would confirm Starbuck’s warnings about how unwise it would be to chase Ahab’s revenge.

Going along with this conflict between Ahab and Starbuck, two chapters that stood up for me were chapter 37 (Sunset) and chapter 38 (Dusk). The reason why I highlighted them was because both chapters mirror each other in structure and content, but what makes them different is the point of view of the narrator. Sunset shows Ahab’s soliloquy, where he acknowledges that his crew thinks that he is crazy; he even admits that he is “demoniac” and “madness maddened”. (166). He says that Moby Dick is fated to struck down by him in the same way Ahab was fated to lose his leg. On the other hand, it is Starbuck’s turn to have a soliloquy in Dusk. Starbuck reveals his worries about chasing the whale; Starbuck doesn’t want to carry out his captain’s mission, but he is conflicted because he “feels that he must help him to it” (167). What I found interesting is how the title of each chapter summarize what the chapters are about. “Sunset” and “Dusk” are basically the same thing, but there is a very small, yet important difference. “Sunset” is when the sun sets down to the point where you can’t see it anymore. This symbolizes how Ahab is going to end his quest by killing Moby Dick, and therefore put an end on his “day”. “Dusk”, however, is when the night period is just about to begin. Starbuck doesn’t feel like that is going to be a good idea; he thinks that going after Moby Dick is not going to be the end of their “day” but only the beginning of their disastrous “night”.