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?
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