III. Different views Ahab is a strong believer in fate. According to him, it’s his destiny to slay the whale. Ishmael’s views on fate are the same. According to him, it is by fate that he signed up on the whaling voyage. The two characters seem to agree on the part that fate has played on getting them on that voyage. The two characters, however, differ when it comes to their views concerning free will. Ahab views free will as independent of fate while Ishmael views fate and free will as one and the same. This can be seen when Ishmael says,” I've shipped, have ye? Names down on paper? Well, well, what’s signed is signed; and what’s to be, will be; and then again, perhaps it won’t be, after all.” (Melville, p88). According to Ishmael fate encompasses even the actions of free will. …show more content…
Ishmael believes in the impact chance plays on their quest.” I’ Ishmael, should infallibly light upon, for all the world as though it had turned out by chance; and in that vessel, I must immediately ship myself, for the present irrespective of Queequeg.” (Melville, p68) From this quote, it can be seen that Ishmael shows belief in the fact that the events that have occurred by chance have impacted his choices and course of action. This contrasts with Ahab who beliefs are solely restricted to belief in fate. Ahab doesn’t want to believe that chance has played a role in their quest. Ahab fears that acknowledging the part of chance would lead to his quest seeming inferior. Ahab takes his quest for vengeance like destiny that was set for him. Chance had no role to play in