1) "A noble craft, but somehow the most melancholy!" How does something be so noble, yet melancholy while being described as a barbaric ship: "A cannibal of a craft," "appareled like any barbaric emperor," and "long sharp teeth." (All page 70)
2) Is whale hunting how Quakers get their anger out? The "sanguinary" and "fighting" descriptions of the Quaker sailor is quite the contradiction to the Quaker way. (73)
3) What does one think of while on a ship and in trouble, "Death and Judgement," or Life? (86)
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Chapter 16-18 Discussion Questions
1. What is the significance of the cannibalistic description of the Pequod on page 70?
"She was apparelled like any barbaric Ethiopian emperor...A noble craft, but somehow a most melancholy! All noble things are touched with that" (70).
2. What is the significance of Captains Peleg and Bildad being both Quakers and captains of a whaling ship? How do they find a balance between these two contradictory ways of life?
3. What kind of role does religion play in Ishmael's life compared to Queequeg?
"She was apparelled like any barbaric Ethiopian emperor...A noble craft, but somehow a most melancholy! All noble things are touched with that" (70).
2. What is the significance of Captains Peleg and Bildad being both Quakers and captains of a whaling ship? How do they find a balance between these two contradictory ways of life?
3. What kind of role does religion play in Ishmael's life compared to Queequeg?
Chapter 16 through 18 Discussion, Max Marion
Chapters 16 - 18 Discussion Questions
1. Consider Queequeg's idol, Yojo. Does Yojo make Queequeg more Savage? Less? Why?
2. Ishmael describes the boat in detail on page 69 to 70. How does he seem to want to describe the boat? Would it fit as a "savage" or "civilized" thing? What other ideas does it present? What about Ishamael's apparent inconsistencies (noted in the footnotes)?
3. How does the description of the Quakers on page 74-75 reaffirm what we have established about religion and "civilized" people? How does their speech do the same?
4. Is whaling civilized?
1. Consider Queequeg's idol, Yojo. Does Yojo make Queequeg more Savage? Less? Why?
2. Ishmael describes the boat in detail on page 69 to 70. How does he seem to want to describe the boat? Would it fit as a "savage" or "civilized" thing? What other ideas does it present? What about Ishamael's apparent inconsistencies (noted in the footnotes)?
3. How does the description of the Quakers on page 74-75 reaffirm what we have established about religion and "civilized" people? How does their speech do the same?
4. Is whaling civilized?
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Discussion Questions for Chapters 16-18
Ishmael on Religious Activities
At the beginning of Chapter 17, The Ramadan, Ishmael claims to "cherish the greatest respect towards everybody's religious obligations, never mind how comical, and could not find it in [his] heart to undervalue even a congregation of ants worshipping a toad-stool" (79). While he presents a tolerant, neutral position in his words, his later actions towards Queequeg in his observance of his religious tradition reflect a lack of understanding. He labors to "show Queequeg that all these Lents, Ramadans, and prolonged ham-squattings in cold, cheerless rooms were stark nonsense; bad for the health; useless for the soul; opposed, in short, to the obvious laws of Hygiene and common sense" (82). He does not participate in this particular pagan tradition (though before he prays to the idol), thinking that his Ramadan is "so deplorably foolish" (82).
To what extent does Ishmael show religious tolerance and acceptance? Do his actions to halt Queequeg's savage "Ramadan" say anything about Ishmael's values and priorities? Could this relate to his belief that "what they call [his] shadow here on earth is [his] true substance?" (45) Does Ishmael care about a higher power or an afterlife?
Absolutes: Melville on Good and Evil
While Queequeg is introduced as a cannibal carrying the head of a New Zealander, the reader almost forgets what makes the savage "savage" through his interactions with Ishmael. Ishmael himself does many of these reversals of traditional thought, as in his realization that it is better to "sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian" (36). Yet, even though Ishmael rids himself of many of his prejudices against his wild companion, instances of cannibalism cannot be ignored. At the close of The Ramadan, Queequeg quickly describes the typical post-battle feast, with dead humans on the menu. Ishmael, naturally, expresses disgust in his account of the story, shuddering at the thought of eating people like "Christmas turkeys" (83).
Does Melville want us to see Queequeg as a savage? Does his cannibalism condemn him? What does a cannibalistic culture say about its people in regards to morality? Can you have a "good" and "civilized" society built upon the consumption of other people? What does a cannibalistic tradition reveal about the values of Kokovoko in terms of religion? Can cannibalism be justified?
The Mysterious Captain Ahab
Named after a tyrannical biblical king, Ahab is a man of confusion himself. His description as it is given in The Ship consists primarily of oxymorons. He is presented as a "grand, ungodly, god-like man" who has "been in colleges, as well as 'mong the cannibals" (78). He "ain't sick" but he "isn't well either" (78).
How might Ahab's introduction as a man of contradictions foreshadow future internal conflict within the character? Could Captain Ahab be a part of the ongoing metaphor about the sea as a middle place, a desegregating force for race, religion, nationality, and age? How might his presence affect the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg, two harpooners from very different backgrounds?
At the beginning of Chapter 17, The Ramadan, Ishmael claims to "cherish the greatest respect towards everybody's religious obligations, never mind how comical, and could not find it in [his] heart to undervalue even a congregation of ants worshipping a toad-stool" (79). While he presents a tolerant, neutral position in his words, his later actions towards Queequeg in his observance of his religious tradition reflect a lack of understanding. He labors to "show Queequeg that all these Lents, Ramadans, and prolonged ham-squattings in cold, cheerless rooms were stark nonsense; bad for the health; useless for the soul; opposed, in short, to the obvious laws of Hygiene and common sense" (82). He does not participate in this particular pagan tradition (though before he prays to the idol), thinking that his Ramadan is "so deplorably foolish" (82).
To what extent does Ishmael show religious tolerance and acceptance? Do his actions to halt Queequeg's savage "Ramadan" say anything about Ishmael's values and priorities? Could this relate to his belief that "what they call [his] shadow here on earth is [his] true substance?" (45) Does Ishmael care about a higher power or an afterlife?
Absolutes: Melville on Good and Evil
While Queequeg is introduced as a cannibal carrying the head of a New Zealander, the reader almost forgets what makes the savage "savage" through his interactions with Ishmael. Ishmael himself does many of these reversals of traditional thought, as in his realization that it is better to "sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian" (36). Yet, even though Ishmael rids himself of many of his prejudices against his wild companion, instances of cannibalism cannot be ignored. At the close of The Ramadan, Queequeg quickly describes the typical post-battle feast, with dead humans on the menu. Ishmael, naturally, expresses disgust in his account of the story, shuddering at the thought of eating people like "Christmas turkeys" (83).
Does Melville want us to see Queequeg as a savage? Does his cannibalism condemn him? What does a cannibalistic culture say about its people in regards to morality? Can you have a "good" and "civilized" society built upon the consumption of other people? What does a cannibalistic tradition reveal about the values of Kokovoko in terms of religion? Can cannibalism be justified?
The Mysterious Captain Ahab
Named after a tyrannical biblical king, Ahab is a man of confusion himself. His description as it is given in The Ship consists primarily of oxymorons. He is presented as a "grand, ungodly, god-like man" who has "been in colleges, as well as 'mong the cannibals" (78). He "ain't sick" but he "isn't well either" (78).
How might Ahab's introduction as a man of contradictions foreshadow future internal conflict within the character? Could Captain Ahab be a part of the ongoing metaphor about the sea as a middle place, a desegregating force for race, religion, nationality, and age? How might his presence affect the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg, two harpooners from very different backgrounds?
Chapter 16-18 Discussion Questions
What is the significance of Captain Peleg’s quote “'Can’t ye
see the world where you stand?'” (chapter 16). Could this line be interpreted
as an allegory for the general perspective of “civilized” US citizens at the
time? How does Ishmael’s view of the sea on the horizon in Chapter 16 relate to his
commentary on water in Chapter 1?
Taking into consideration Captain Peleg’s description of
Captain Ahab as a “grand, ungodly, god-like man,” how does the line “all mortal
greatness is but disease” relate to Captain Ahab (chapter 16)? Does the use of
the words “ungodly” and “god-like” reveal something about Captain Ahab’s
character? Could the meaning of Ahab’s name—the same name as an idolatrous
Biblical king—foreshadow some sort of “savage” act in his future?
Why would Ishmael refer to Queequeg’s religious experience
as his “Ramadan” even though Ishmael knows that Queequeg is from Kokovoko, far
from the Islamic Middle East (chapter 17; chapter 12)? Could Ismael be not as open-minded
as he thinks himself to be? Or should we interpret Queequeg’s character as a
representation of all non-white, non-Christian, non-American people?
Questions Chapters 16-18
1) "Yojo earnestly enjoined that the selection of the ship should rest wholly with me, inasmuch as Yojo purposed befriending us; and, in order to do so, had already pitched upon a vessel, which, if I left to myself, I, Ishmael, should infallibly light upon, for all the world as though it had turned out by chance..." (68)
How does the inanimate idol "Yojo" have an effect upon Queequeg and Ishmael's relationship? Is Yojo an actual being, or does He simply symbolize that religion is part of the subconscious mind, influencing one's actions? How does fate fit into Ishmael's circumstance?
2) Does the mere fact that Captains Peleg and Bildad are Quakers hold any significance? How do Quaker ideals compare and contrast with the actions of these captains? Furthermore, do their words reflect or contradict Ishmael's own mental transformation upon meeting Queequeg?
3) Upon meeting Queequeg, both Peleg and Bildad impose their own personal beliefs and opinions upon the "savage." Despite the labels, how does Queequeg assert his true identity during this encounter?
Discussion Questions for Chapter 3
1. What is the significance of the painting in the entrance
of the Spouter Inn? Does Melville’s description provide any indication of its
purpose? How does the imagery, or lack thereof, contribute to the
interpretation of its meaning?
2. What is the implied reason that the sailors drink? How
does Melville express his opinions about their alcoholism? Does Melville
condemn it or praise it? What is it’s significance to the larger story?
3. How does Ishmael’s epiphany about Queequeg’s true nature
show Melville’s take on the racial tensions of 19th Century America?
What key aspects of Queequeg’s introduction highlight Melville’s awareness of
the dichotomies that surrounded the race debate (i.e. Civil vs. Savage, Light
vs. Dark, Christian vs. Pagan)? How does Melville’s craftsmanship create a
smooth transition from bigotry to acceptance?
Discussion Questions: Christian vs. Savagery
Compared to his initial purpose, is it ironic when Queequeg thinks that "he was fearful Christianity, or rather Christians, had unfitted him for ascending the pure and undefiled throne of thirty pagan Kings before him" (Melville 60)? Why?
How is Queequeg's character different from those of Christian sailors?
some quotes:
"even then, in Queequeg's ambition soul, lurked a strong desire to see something more Christendom than a specimen whaler or two." (Melville 59)
"Queequeg disdained no seeming ignominy, if thereby he might haply gain he power of enlightening his untutored countrymen." (Melville 59）
" But the ship, having her full complement of seamen, spurned his suit; not all the king his father's influence could prevail." (Melville 59)
Does Kokovoko represents a civilization or a savagery? Are there any similarities between Kokovoko and Christian doctrines?
Are there any similarities between Kokovoko society and American fundamental ideals of democracy?
What are differences between Kokovoko's attitudes towards nature and those of our society.
What are other Christian sailors purposes of going to sea? Could these purposes reveal something? Could they connect to any historical backgrounds?
What does Queequeg mean when he says "ah! him bery small-e fish-e; Queequeg no kill-e so small-e fish-e; Queequeg kill-e big whale" (Melville 59)?
Discussion Questions
1. If Queequeg had such a "simple honest heart," why did he feel the need to smother it in tattoos?
2. Throughout chapter 10, it is made clear that Queequeg and Ishmael have developed an intimate and friendly relationship, but at the end of the chapter, Ishmael narrates, "then, in our hearts' honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg--a cosy, loving pair." Is this Ishmael telling us directly that they are in love? Is Ishmael somehow attracted to Queequeg's unique combination of savagery and genteelness?
3.
2. Throughout chapter 10, it is made clear that Queequeg and Ishmael have developed an intimate and friendly relationship, but at the end of the chapter, Ishmael narrates, "then, in our hearts' honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg--a cosy, loving pair." Is this Ishmael telling us directly that they are in love? Is Ishmael somehow attracted to Queequeg's unique combination of savagery and genteelness?
3.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
3 questions for chapter 10-15
1. Was Ishmael homosexual? According to Queequeg's customs, he and Queequeg were married. Also, they continued to share the bed together, and Ishmael even abandoned being a christian. Did he do everything for Queequeg?
2. Queequeg cannot be king because "his interaction with Christianity made him "dirty" and unfit for his "pure" throne. While Ishmael thinks that Queequeg is a savage and is the dirty one, Queequeg's home culture actually contempt Christianity and see it as the unholy one. How is this possible? How is Christianity corrupted?
3. At Nantucket, people are astonished by how intimately Ishmael reacts with Queequeg because one is civilized and the other is barbaric. Interesting, Ishmael is white, and Queequeg is black. Did Melville purposely connected this relationship with whites & blacks in America during the 1800s?
2. Queequeg cannot be king because "his interaction with Christianity made him "dirty" and unfit for his "pure" throne. While Ishmael thinks that Queequeg is a savage and is the dirty one, Queequeg's home culture actually contempt Christianity and see it as the unholy one. How is this possible? How is Christianity corrupted?
3. At Nantucket, people are astonished by how intimately Ishmael reacts with Queequeg because one is civilized and the other is barbaric. Interesting, Ishmael is white, and Queequeg is black. Did Melville purposely connected this relationship with whites & blacks in America during the 1800s?
Discussion Questions
1. Is Queequeg a savage? Why or why not?
2. What aspect Queequeg's savagery entices Ishamel so much?
3. Why does Ishamel tell us about Queequeg's past? What purpose does this information serve?
4. What does Ishmael mean when he says, "till poor Queequeg took his last dive" (64)? Is this foreshadowing?
5. What makes Nantucket so significant of a place?
2. What aspect Queequeg's savagery entices Ishamel so much?
3. Why does Ishamel tell us about Queequeg's past? What purpose does this information serve?
4. What does Ishmael mean when he says, "till poor Queequeg took his last dive" (64)? Is this foreshadowing?
5. What makes Nantucket so significant of a place?
Discussion Questions
QUESTION ONE
What does the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg signify?
Ishmael describes it at various stages of development:
Does the sea serve as an escape? Is one able to truly escape from tumultuous times?
What does the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg signify?
Ishmael describes it at various stages of development:
I began to be sensible of strange feelings. I felt a melting in me. No more my splintered heart and maddened hand were turned against the wolfish world. This soothing savage had redeemed it. (56)
He seemed to take to me quite as naturally and unbiddenly as I to him and when our smoke was over, he pressed his forehead against mine, clasped me round the waist, and said that henceforth we were married. (56)
To what extent is their relationship sexual?Man and wife, they say, there open the very bottom of their souls to each other; and some old couples often lie and chat over old times till nearly morning. Thus, then, in our hearts' honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg, a cosy, loving pair. (57)
QUESTION TWO
Ishmael, who begins frightened by the mere thought of "savages," soon engages in pagan worship alongside Queequeg. He reveal the thought process that drives his transformation:
But what is worship?—to do the will of God—that is worship. And what is the will of God?—to do to my fellow man what I would have my fellow many to do to me—that is the will of God. Now, Queequeg is my fellow man. And what do I wish that this Queequeg would do to me? Why, unite with me in my particular Presbyterian form of worship. Consequently, I must then unite with him in his; ergo, I must turn idolator. (57)Does he really shift that easily? What other factors lead to his acceptance—and embracement—of idolatry?
QUESTION THREE
“With the landless gull, that at sunset folds her wings and is rocked to sleep between billows; so at nightfall, the Nantucketer, out of sight of land, furls, his sails, and lays him to his rest, while under his very pillow rush herds of walruses and whales” (66).
Does the sea serve as an escape? Is one able to truly escape from tumultuous times?
Friday, December 6, 2013
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