Chapter 121 - Midnight - The Forecastle Bulwarks Practice Quiz — Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
by Herman Melville — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 121 - Midnight - The Forecastle Bulwarks
Where does Chapter 121 take place?
On the Pequod's forecastle bulwarks at midnight, during a storm.
What are Stubb and Flask doing in this chapter?
Lashing down the ship's anchors with additional ropes while talking.
What did Stubb previously say about Ahab's ship and insurance?
That any ship Ahab sails in should pay extra on its insurance policy, as if it were loaded with powder barrels and lucifers (matches).
How does Stubb explain his change of mind about the danger?
He says he has "part changed his flesh" since then and asks why he shouldn't change his mind too.
What are "lucifers" in the context of this chapter?
Friction matches—early wooden matches tipped with a combustible substance that could be struck to produce fire.
What does Stubb call Flask when comparing him to a zodiac sign?
Aquarius, or the water-bearer, because Flask is drenched with spray.
What is Stubb's argument about lightning rods?
That there is no real difference between holding a lightning rod and standing near a mast without one, since the rod only matters if the mast is struck first.
What fraction of ships does Stubb say carry lightning rods?
Not one ship in a hundred.
What absurd image does Stubb create about lightning rods and hats?
Every man walking around with a small lightning rod on his hat, like a militia officer's skewered feather trailing behind like a sash.
What does Stubb say about tying down the anchors?
That they are lashing them as if they were never going to be used again, comparing it to tying a man's hands behind him.
What does Stubb call the anchors?
"Your iron fists," noting what a hold they have.
What philosophical question does Stubb raise about the world?
Whether the world is anchored anywhere, and if so, that it swings with an uncommon long cable.
What happens to Stubb's tarpaulin at the end of the chapter?
It blows overboard in the wind.
What does Stubb say about long-tailed coats in storms?
That they should always be worn at sea because the tails taper down and carry off the water.
What is the literary form of Chapter 121?
Dramatic dialogue—the chapter consists almost entirely of spoken conversation between Stubb and Flask with minimal stage direction.
What is Flask's witty response when Stubb tells him to be sensible?
"I don't know that, Stubb. You sometimes find it rather hard."
What does Stubb compare cocked hats to?
Gable-end eave-troughs, saying the cocks form channels that carry off rainwater.
What does Stubb say about the winds at the end of the chapter?
"Lord, Lord, that the winds that come from heaven should be so unmannerly!" after his tarpaulin blows away.