Sean’s Comments (group member since Oct 21, 2016)

Sean’s comments from the Arters AP Literature 2016-17 group.

Nathaniel wrote: "What is the true meaning of the various homosexual themes of the book. Is it pure story- telling and world immersion as many sailors get lonely or is it more of a contrast of the life at sea to one..."

I've always thought it was just a storytelling mechanism, but your idea about it being a contrast of life at sea versus one in society is definitely understandable. Since the book has so many other hidden symbols, this may just be one as well. The life at sea way of living forces one to act differently which definitely resembles the contrasting behavior belief.

David wrote: "Also is Ahab truly superstitious/religious? His relationship with Fedallah is confusing to me. Ahab acknowledges that he sees the whale as more than just a whale but does he see Fedallah as more th..."
Responding to your question about superstitions.
Overall I think the book hones in on these. Many times prior to getting on the ship, Ishmael and Queequeg are warned that traveling with Captain Ahab is dangerous. About trusting Fedallah, I think he doesn't trust him but is forced to ponder it because it is about personal safety.

David wrote: "How do all of the whaling ships know about Moby Dick if he is so aggressive? Is escaping from the whale that easy once you have engaged or are all the stories about Ahab from survivors of crashes l..."

If all the whaling ships know of Moby Dick and his power, why don't they just leave him alone. Wouldn't that suit both their needs. I understand Captain Ahab wanting revenge now, but it would've been smarter had he not engaged Moby Dick from the beginning.

Erik wrote: "#2:46amThoughts

He may be called Moby Dick but on the inside he's Moby Rich, rich with compassion, thoughtfulness, and honesty. Rich with selflessness and a desire to protect the peaceful and des..."

If you are saying Moby Dick is being persecuted along with other sea creatures, I completely agree with that perspective. I can see the view that the sea is being persecuted and his bravery for standing up shows his selflessness and protectiveness. Although, I don't know about the desire for peace considering he kills everyone but Ishmael, but that's your opinion.

Erik wrote: "#2:24amThoughts

You see, everyone looks at Moby Dick as the bad guy because he killed whalers and ships but really can you blame him? Maybe Moby Dick is the good guy just like the prophet Elijah ..."

I see what you are saying that Moby Dick is just resetting everything, the crew deserves it, and he is protecting himself. But I think the best way to show people you will not hurt them is to not hurt them. I do agree with your reason for why he saved Ishmael because he wanted the story to be told.

Erik wrote: "David wrote: "Through the first twelve chapters, I am surprised how much the novel focuses on Ishmael rather than Moby Dick or Captain Ahab. I also find it strange that Ishmael is sleeping with a b..."
In response to your question about the opening line, "Call me Ishmael," I think this is the first line of the novel as a way to instantly create a direct connection between the narrator and the reader. The way it is written, "Call me," instead of the more common, "My name is" suggests that Ishmael may not be his real name, and could just be a nickname. The name Ishmael is also carefully chosen because it is an allusion to the bible, in which Ishmael is stranded in the desert and is saved from thirst, whereas Ishmael in "Moby Dick" is at sea and is saved from drowning. These two stories are closely reflective of each and could be considered the reason for why the author chose Ishmael. Another interesting thing I have noticed so far is that no other character has called him Ishmael unless he told them his name and they are just repeating the name they heard. This could simply be due to being around new people who he has never met or it could be a sign of Ishmael not telling people his true name in places he goes. Another thing to add is that his last name has not been mentioned as far as I know. If anyone has any other responses to the first line, "Call me Ishmael," comment.

Ishmael in the bible:
http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/...

David wrote: "Sean wrote: "David wrote: "Through the first twelve chapters, I am surprised how much the novel focuses on Ishmael rather than Moby Dick or Captain Ahab. I also find it strange that Ishmael is sleep..."
That is an interesting way of looking at the situation. Instead of an intimate relationship, they are purely interested due to their vast differences. I don't think I would have ever analyzed the situation in that respect, so your new viewpoint is extremely significant. What chapter are you on now?

David wrote: "Through the first twelve chapters, I am surprised how much the novel focuses on Ishmael rather than Moby Dick or Captain Ahab. I also find it strange that Ishmael is sleeping with a black harpooner..."
The way Ishmael looks and talks about and to Queequeg is also rather disturbing in my opinion. When Queequeg asked if they were to "bedfellows" again after relentless advancements by Ishmael, Ishmael responded with yes which received a pleasing look, as if Queequeg was complimented by Ishmael. This engagement was extremely different from other books I have read and the entire relationship was even surprising to me.

I am reading Moby Dick

I am reading "Catcher in the Rye"

Slaughterhouse-Five
I was surprised and taken aback when the first chapter was not the beginning of the story but an explanation of how Vonnegut came to write Slaughterhouse-Five. This suprise helped me realize that he wants the reader to think of the narrator as Vonnegut, himself. In chapter 2, the action starts and we see his first moment of being unstuck in time.

Slaughterhouse-Five
by Kurt Vonnegut