Ahab confronts evil directly, responding with intense aggression. Positive aspects in the book, such as the loyalty of crew members like young Pip and Ahab's fond memories of his family, remain secondary and ineffective, never taking the spotlight. The narrative is filled with numerous dualities. The sky and air, home to birds, are described as feminine, while the ocean is depicted as masculine, a dark abyss for deadly creatures. In contrast, the land is portrayed as lush and gentle, offering a peaceful sanctuary. In Chapter 58, Melville writes: “As the appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, so in the soul of man there lies one insular Tahiti, full of peace and joy, but encompassed by all the horrors of the half known life. God keep thee! Push not off from that isle, for thou canst never return!” Although Melville’s precise viewpoint is open to interpretation and the novel's symbolism is too complex for simple comparisons, it can be suggested that qualities of goodness are often linked with the land, the feminine, and a gentle nature. Viewing the Pequod’s journey as a metaphor for life, the book seems to suggest that in chasing ambition or distant dreams, one risks missing many of life’s best aspects, including home and domestic happiness.

The lack of female characters in the novel has led some critics to interpret it as a reflection on the masculine nature—assertive, combative, and vengeful. However, since all characters are male and not all reflect Ahab's traits, interpretations cannot be so simplistic. Ahab's masculinity is further complicated by the possibility that he has been emasculated, not by his initial encounter with the whale, but by the accidental piercing of his groin by his ivory leg. Critics as diverse as W. H. Auden and Camille Paglia have explored the sexual symbolism within the novel. This topic invites debate, though any discussion must consider that in the nineteenth century, it was common to associate certain traits with gender biases. Melville, like his contemporaries, understood that men and women could possess a blend of traits considered both masculine and feminine.