Journal #4

As we approach the end the book, looking back, we can see some trends regarding what an object or place symbolizes in this narrative. One recurrent symbol that was emphasized in this section is the ocean. Ishmael describes it as the “dark side of this earth” (p. 424). His statement proves to be true on several chapters, as the ocean is always related to the misfortunes that strike the characters. One instance I would like to highlight is when Pip is all by himself on chapter 93 (The Castaway). After being abandoned by his crew for jumping into the water, Pip loses his sanity. It is described that Pip’s soul was “carried down alive to wondrous depths” (p. 415). Pip starts to see visions but is considered mad by his crewmates (p. 416). This passage portrays the idea that although the ocean is extremely big, it is really lonely, and that loneliness can change one entirely (“But the awful lonesomeness is intolerable” p. 415). Pip went from a very cheerful and festive sailor into a crazy prophet who claimed he saw God.

            Another chapter that caught my attention was chapter 100 (Leg and Arm). This chapter introduces Captain Boomer. Both him and Captain Ahab share a “common enemy”, which is Moby Dick, who took one of their limbs (p. 436). One would think that Captain Boomer, then, should be like Ahab, a restless maniac thirsty for vengeance. However, that is not the case. Although both share a common tragic past with Moby Dick, they differ on what should be done about. Ahab is blinded by his revenge, while Boomer learns his lesson to not mess with the White Whale. Here we have two pathways on how one deals with a great loss. Like Ahab, one can continuously remind themselves about his loss, and therefore never moves on. The other alternative is to be like Boomer, who lets his past go and decides to live happily. Each captain thinks of the other as crazy for not sharing the same point of view, and both depart.

            Lastly, I would like to highlight chapter 99 (The Doubloon). This chapter is important because it reveals a lot about each character regarding how they view the world. Ahab tells that the coin is “like a magician’s glass, to each and every man in turn but mirrors back his own mysterious self” (p. 430-431). Ahab sees everything as if they were himself; this symbolizes how Ahab is only focused on his own revenge. Starbuck sees the Holy Trinity and that the “sun of Righteousness still shines a beacon and a hope; this reveals his attachment to Christianity. Stubb focuses on the Zodiac Signs; this reveals an allegorical side of Stubb, who tries to seek a meaning in everything. Flask sees nothing but a gold coin, which contrasts with Stubb allegorical view. And the list goes on. The story conveys the idea that different people have different worldviews depending on their culture, traumas, etc. The theme highlighted here is how there is no such a thing as an exact answer; everyone can interpret something as they like.