Student Question

Where does Ahab plan to search for Moby Dick?

Quick answer:

Ahab plans to search for Moby Dick around the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Horn, the Norway Maelstrom, and even to hell and back, indicating his willingness to pursue the whale across the globe. His obsession drives him to chase Moby Dick to the ends of the earth, highlighting his relentless and all-consuming quest to kill the white whale.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Chapter XXXVI, Ahab says,

"I'll chase him round Good Hope, and round the Horn, and round the Norway Maelstrom, and round perdition's flames before I give him up.  And this is what ye have shipped for, men!  to chase that white whatl on both sides of land, and over all sides of earth, till he spouts black blood and rolls fin out".

Ahab, in his all-consuming obsession, is essentially saying that he will follow the whale to the ends of the earth and to hell (perdition) and back.  Ahab will not cease his pursuit of Moby Dick until the whale is dead.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial