Ahab's Monomania

255 Words2 Pages
The Pequod’s interaction with the Rachel exemplifies the magnitude of Ahab’s monomania. As soon as Captain Gardiner tells him that they encountered the white whale, Ahab disregards all formal courtesies usually associated with gams, especially when the other captain is a Nantucketer. In addition, Captain Gardiner seeks the Pequod’s help in searching and rescuing his son that was lost in the encounter with the whale. The old Manx sailor suggests that the seal noises may have actually been the shrieks of the Rachel’s lost, drowning crew- making the Pequod seemingly more obligated to help since they may have knowledge pertaining to the time-sensitive circumstances. However, Ahab remains immovable, cold, and distant from the captain’s heart-wrenching