Chapter I
1. Prove that Ishmael is an analytical, philosophical thinker by examining his reasons for going to sea. Give special attention to the reason he gives as his primary motive.

2. Discuss the biblical and classical allusions employed in Chapter I. Thoroughly explain each allusion and discuss its thematic implications.

Chapters II – IV
1. Explain how Melville uses the doubling technique in characterization. How are Ishmael and Queequeg different? How are they brought together? How does Queequeg’s appearance compare to his behavior?

2. Describe the setting of this section and tell how it contrasts with tone. Give specific details of the streets, the inn, the bar, and the bedroom. What tone does Melville use in this section? How does he achieve that tone?

Chapters V – IX
1. Compare Ishmael’s morbid thoughts upon entering the chapel to his more positive thoughts about death.

2. Discuss the theme of isolation as it relates to Father Mapple, Jonah, and Ishmael.

Chapters X – XV
1. Explain the analogy of the wheelbarrow and the punch. What point was Queequeg illustrating? What proof do we have that Ishmael has learned this lesson already?

2. List four adjectives that describe Queequeg. Support your choices by explaining what he says and does.

Chapters XVI – XVIII
1. Trace the development of the religious theme in this section. Consider Queequeg’s practices and beliefs, Ishmael’s ambiguous feelings, and the behavior of the two Quakers.

2. Explain how Melville piques our curiosity about Ahab. Include not only Peleg’s description of him, but also his experience with Ahab.

Chapters XIX – XXV
1. Compare the symbolic meaning of the land and the sea, respectively. What is it about the sea that suggests the freedom of thought? What is it about the land that suggests its symbolic meaning? How does Bulkington feel about the sea? Use direct quotations to support your ideas.

2. Discuss how various characters and circumstances provide foreshadowing in this section.

Chapters XXVI – XXXI
1. Compare the captain and officers of the Pequod: Ahab, Starbuck, Stubb, and Flask. Include physical descriptions, but concentrate on character.

2. What devices of style does Melville use to elevate his tale to tragedy? What is his purpose in doing this? Why does Melville wish to make the common man as noble as a Greek hero?

Chapters XXXII – XXXV
1. Explain the hierarchy of authority on the whaler. What are the “social forms” and customs which support that hierarchy? Give specific examples and describe the customs as they are observed on the Pequod.

2. What does the cetology chapter contribute to the theme of man’s understanding of his universe? Where is a seaman apt to gain such knowledge? How?

Chapters XXXVI – XL
1. Explain and comment on Starbuck’s argument against hunting Moby Dick. Explain and comment on Ahab’s argument for hunting Moby Dick. For what reasons does Starbuck acquiesce?

2. Describe the tactics Ahab uses to bind the men to him. Does it work? Describe the crew’s celebration.

Chapters XLI – XLII
1. Discuss the ambiguities associated with the meanings of whiteness. Choose several examples from Ishmael’s explanation to illustrate both the positive and negative interpretations. Why is Ishmael so appalled by the whiteness of Moby Dick?

2. Describe the legends that surround Moby Dick. What is actually known about him? What does he look like? Explain Ahab’s encounter with him. Describe Ahab’s suffering. What has the whale come to symbolize to him?

Chapters XLIII – XLVII
1. Discuss the symbolic meaning of the mat-making. First describe how Ishmael and Queequeg make the mat. Then explain what each component of the process symbolizes. Finally, tell why Ishmael’s interpretation is appropriate for the steps involved.

2. Ishmael frequently strays from his narrative to interject facts about whales and whaling, as he does in “The Affidavit.” What is an affidavit and why is it an appropriate title for this chapter? What is the content, tone, and purpose of the
chapter?

Chapters XLVIII – LI
1. Compare and contrast the ways in which the three mates react to the sight of Fedallah and his crew. Also, compare the ways in which they command their respective boats. Give specific details of what they say and do. How does this section further develop the characterization of these men?

2. Describe the atmosphere of “The Spirit-Spout,” choosing central images from the chapter and explaining how they create this atmosphere. Consider sound as well as visual imagery.

Chapters LII – LIV
1. Briefly summarize the significant events of the Town-Ho story and explain its thematic importance. What role does Moby Dick play in the story? In what way is he an avenging angel?

2. Describe the Albatross. How do its appearance and the events that occur during the thwarted gam create an ominous atmosphere? How does Ahab feel after the gam? Why?

Chapters LV – LX
1. Explain the analogy Ishmael makes between the land and the sea and mankind. What are the different qualities of the land and the sea, respectively? To what in man do these qualities correspond?

2. Describe the diction used in the chapter devoted to the squid. Mention specific images and figures of speech. How does this style differ from that of the “pictures of whales” chapters? Explain.

Chapters LXI – LXVI
1. Discuss the techniques Melville uses to equate man to sea creatures. What themes are developed through the comparison?

2. Analyze the imagery at the opening of chapter LXI and compare it to the imagery used to describe the whale chase. What is the effect of this contrast?

Chapters LXVII – LXXI
1. Summarize the gam with the Jeroboam. What new interpretation of Moby Dick does this encounter offer? How does the story of Macey support Ahab’s interpretation? What elements make this episode foreboding?

2. Describe the butchering of the whale. What becomes of the head? Why does Ishmael compare the head to the Sphinx? What does Ahab say to the head? Explain the allusions he makes.

Chapters LXXII – LXXVIII
1. What do the episodes involving the whale heads contribute to character development? In your essay discuss Queequeg, Ishmael, and Ahab.

2. Analyze and discuss what these episodes contribute to the theme. Consider the unity and interdependence of man as well as the duality of the universe.

Chapters LXXIX – LXXXI
1. Discuss how pity is aroused for the old bull whale. What is it about his physical appearance that is pitiable? How do diction and figures of speech create sympathy for the creature? In the end, how does the whale prove to be indomitable?

2. What is the meaning of the German word Jungfrau? Why is it an appropriate name for this ship? What does her captain know of Moby Dick? What behavior shows her captain and crew to be inexperienced?

Chapters LXXXII – LXXXVI
1. Discuss the symbolic meaning of whalemen as presented in this section. What famous whalers does Ishmael mention? What cultures do they represent? What were they seeking?

2. Discuss the symbolic meaning of the whale in this section. What is the usual relationship between man and whale? How does Ishmael see the whale? What do these relationships imply thematically?

Chapters LXXXVII – XCII
1. Describe the calm in the gallied whale scene. What “secrets” were revealed to Ishmael there? Explain fully.

2. What is the tone of chapter XCI? How is this tone established at the outset and maintained throughout the chapter? Who is the central character in this episode? Explain.

Chapters XCIII – XCIX
1. Describe the engravings on the doubloon. Explain how Ahab, Starbuck, Stubb, Flask, Fedallah, and Pip interpret the meaning of the coin. What is revealed about each character through his interpretation?

2. What is the atmosphere of “The Try-Works?” Analyze the images that create this atmosphere? What happens to Ishmael during this scene? Explain the final image of the Catskill eagle.

Chapters C – CV
1. Compare Captain Ahab and Captain Boomer. Consider their appearances, their experiences, their relationships with their crew, and their ideas concerning Moby Dick.

2. What does Ishmael learn from his study of whale skeletons? What does he learn on the Arsacidean island of Pupella? Why does Ishmael admit the futility of studying whale skeletons to understand the whale?

Chapters CVI – CIX
1. What does Ahab’s leg symbolize? Of what is it a constant reminder? What does it symbolize to Ahab? Why? How is it a danger to him, both literally and figuratively?

2. Describe the carpenter and the style of the chapters in which he is presented. What is unusual about the narrative technique? What is the tone of these chapters? Why is the structure of the scene between Ahab and the carpenter appropriate? How are these men opposites? How are they alike?

Chapters CX – CXIV
1. How is the theme of death developed in this section? How does Ishmael view death? What are his theories regarding the soul? What will finally be revealed to us in death? What is the “final harbor” to which he refers in “The Gilder”? What other ideas about death are presented?

2. Compare Ahab and Perth. Describe the scene where Ahab approaches Perth. What makes it seem that Perth understands Ahab and vice versa? In what important ways are they different?

Chapters CXV – CXXI
1. Analyze the fire symbolism in chapter CXIX. What are the corposants? What did the masts look like as the lightning rods glowed? What did Ahab’s harpoon look like? How do the sailors react? How do Stubb, Starbuck, and Ahab interpret the flames?

2. Explain the Parsee’s predictions. How does Ahab react? Why? How does the Parsee react when Ahab tramples his quadrant? How is Ahab now determining his course? Explain.

Chapters CXXII – CXXVII
1. Find evidence of Ahab’s excessive pride and his defiance of the gods. Before Ahab realizes that his ship is sailing in the wrong direction, what remarks does he address to the sun? What does Starbuck say about Ahab? What does Ahab do about the compass? What are his motives for doing that? What does he say to the broken pieces of the quadrant? Whom does Ahab blame for Pip’s condition and how does he express that blame?

2. Discuss all the ill omens in this section. How are they interpreted by the men, by Ahab, and by Ishmael? How does Starbuck see the “fair wind” as an ill omen?

Chapters CXXVIII – CXXXII
1. What characters in this section try to turn Ahab from his purpose? Explain fully. What omens serve as warnings to him?

2. Discuss the relationship between Starbuck and Ahab. Why is it ironic that Ahab should trust Starbuck with the rope? Why does Ahab want to look into Starbuck’s eyes? What does he see there? Why does the taciturn Ahab open up to Starbuck? What thoughts does he share? What does Starbuck think of Ahab? Why does he turn away in despair?

Chapters CXXXIII – CXXXV and Epilogue
1. Discuss the ways in which Ahab and his three mates die. What thoughts and feelings does Starbuck have on the third day? What are Stubb and Flask doing and thinking about as they watch Moby Dick rapidly bearing down on the ship? What is Ahab thinking as he watches his ship sink? What is significant about Ahab’s turning his body from the sun?

2. Discuss the ways in which Moby Dick is portrayed in the final three chapters. Cite specific images and incidents. What does this portrayal contribute to the theme? Explain fully.