Ch. 135, Epi

Moby-Dick embodies the concept of nature comprised of dual aspects. In “The Chase- Third Day,” Moby Dick reveals his masculine and feminine attributes. He is coined with the pronoun “he;” however, there are several feminine qualities to his being. For example, once he breaks the surface, the water “creamed like new milk” (422). Milk is associated with motherhood, and the newness of such milk implies a recent infancy or birth. Thus, the conventional perception of youth and maternal nature is tied to the whale’s femininity. Yet, there exists another possible layer. Milk itself is white. What does this suggest about white in relation of femininity? Also, if the feminine whale obtains the power “possessed by all the angels that fell from heaven,” what does this further imply about femininity (422)? Is there in fact a dual nature within feminine characteristics? A violent connotation to the heavenly description of both nature and the feminine?

In the impending doom of the Pequod, Melville addresses several reoccurring themes within the novel: industry, fate, mortality, and “whiteness.” The men cling onto the last moments of their lives mechanically, acknowledging their insignificant power as “mortal men” against the “predestinating head” of Moby Dick (425). If the crew represents mankind’s attempt to wield nature through industry and Moby Dick symbolizes fate itself, what does the situation imply in regards to industry’s fate? Does nature solely determine fate? Furthermore, how does the aspect of “white” fit into all of this? Because the whale is white, is nature also associated with whiteness?

In the “Epilogue,” Ishmael emerges as the sole survivor of the Fates. His peaceful surroundings contrast sharply with the black vortex of the mechanical ship and its crew. In fact, it is once the Pequod sinks that nature calms down and order is restored. A feminine ship arrives to rescue Ishmael, contrasting sharply with the robust, nature-hunting Pequod. Even the Rachel’s captain is vastly different than Ahab; his passion is not a selfish pursuit, but, rather, he is determined to find his son. In this sense, the Rachel is likened to a mother. How does the arrival of a maternal ship coincide with the peacefulness of the ocean in this moment? How does this matneral ship compare with Moby Dick’s own maternal behavior? Moby Dick was described as having a new child, while Rachel retraces her steps as if in search of her missing children. How does motherhood contrast between humans and animal? Emotion?