Lu's Discussion Question 5

Lu Miao
English 12
Fassi

Chapter 46
In this chapter, Melville writes about Ahab's ambitions and inner thoughts.

1. Why does Melville choose to picture Captain Ahab as a leader who uses his crews to accomplish his goal? Does this have anything to do with slavery, for which Ahab acts the same way as that of those slave owners?

Chapter 47
In this chapter, Ishmael is making the mat.

2.  What message does Melville try to send though Ishmael's action of making the mat with his own hand? Since this chapter comes right after Chapter 46 Surmises, I think Melville sets this up intentionally.