Discussion Questions for Chapters 45-48

Discussion Questions for Chapters 45-48

1. From the opening line of the novel, "Call me Ishmael," to the current moment, there has been a clear element of unreliability in the narration of the tale (18). In The Affidavit, does Ishmael's attempts to verify his story through facts foster more trust in the narration, or further sentiments of unreliability?
2. Explain why Melville chose to contrast the slow, uneventful beginning of Chapter 47 with the exciting Chapter 48. Can this contrast be related to any of the other major comparisons in the novel?
3. Ahab's devotion towards killing the white whale is made even more obvious in Chapter 48. In both his speech on the top of p. 182, and the fact that he hid a separate elite whaling crew aboard, Ahab has made it very clear that he won't stop until Moby Dick is dead. In your opinion, will Ahab's insanity lead the Pequod to it's demise or will Ahab's quest prevail?