Chapter 28 - Ahab Practice Quiz — Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
by Herman Melville — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 28 - Ahab
Why is Captain Ahab not seen on deck for several days after the Pequod leaves Nantucket?
He remains secluded in his cabin, which has become a sacred retreat. The mates command the ship on his behalf, though they clearly act under his orders.
What time of year does the Pequod depart Nantucket?
The ship departs at Christmas, sailing into biting Polar weather before heading southward into warmer latitudes.
Where exactly is Ahab standing when Ishmael first sees him on deck?
Ahab stands upon the quarterdeck with his bone leg steadied in a specially bored auger hole, one arm elevated and holding a shroud, gazing fixedly beyond the bow.
What happens to Ahab's behavior as the weather grows warmer?
He becomes less reclusive and appears on deck more frequently. He eventually puts forth faint looks that in another man might have flowered into a smile.
What are the three mates doing while Ahab is hidden in his cabin?
They regularly relieve each other at the watches and appear to be the only commanders, though their sudden, peremptory orders reveal they command vicariously under Ahab's authority.
Who are the three mates, and what are their origins?
They are all Americans: a Nantucketer (Starbuck), a Vineyarder (Stubb), and a Cape man (Flask). Ishmael considers them excellent sea-officers.
What does the old Gay-Head Indian say about Ahab's scar?
Tashtego's senior claims Ahab did not receive the brand until he was full forty years old, and that it came upon him in an elemental strife at sea rather than a mortal fray.
What does the grey Manxman predict about Ahab's scar?
He insinuates that whoever performs the last office for the dead on Ahab will find a birth-mark running from crown to sole, implying the scar covers his entire body.
How does Ishmael describe Ahab's facial expression when he first appears?
Ishmael says Ahab stood before them with a crucifixion in his face, showing a nameless regal overbearing dignity of some mighty woe.
What earlier character's warnings haunt Ishmael as he waits for Ahab to appear?
The prophet Elijah, whose diabolical incoherences on the Nantucket wharf recur to Ishmael with a subtle energy that heightens his disquietude.
What theme does Ahab's prolonged absence from the deck develop?
It develops the theme of concealment and revelation, building suspense and uncertainty about the captain's nature, mental state, and intentions.
How does the seasonal weather change mirror Ahab's character in this chapter?
As the Pequod sails from winter cold into warmer weather, Ahab gradually emerges from seclusion and his grim mood softens slightly, paralleling the natural transition from winter to spring.
What theme is suggested by Ahab's ivory leg and scarred body?
The theme of man versus nature and obsessive conflict. Ahab's reconstructed body, with a leg made from whale bone, shows he has been physically remade by his battle with the whale.
What simile does Melville use to describe Ahab's scar?
He compares it to the perpendicular seam lightning makes when it darts down the trunk of a great tree, peeling and grooving the bark from top to bottom while leaving the tree still greenly alive but branded.
To what classical sculpture is Ahab compared in this chapter?
Cellini's cast Perseus. Ahab's whole high, broad form is said to seem made of solid bronze, shaped in an unalterable mould.
What extended metaphor does Melville use to describe Ahab's faint softening at the chapter's end?
He compares Ahab to a thunder-cloven old oak that sends forth a few green sprouts when April and May, personified as red-cheeked dancing girls, visit the wintry woods.
What narrative technique does Melville use by withholding Ahab's appearance for many chapters?
Suspense. By keeping Ahab hidden and building anticipation through rumors and prophecies, Melville makes the captain's eventual appearance dramatically powerful.
What does the word "peremptory" mean as used in this chapter?
Insisting on immediate attention or obedience; leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal.
What does "vicariously" mean when the mates are said to command vicariously?
Acting on behalf of or as a substitute for another person; the mates issue commands as representatives of Ahab's authority.
What does the word "preternatural" mean in the context of the Manxman's powers?
Beyond what is normal or natural; seemingly supernatural. The crew believed the Manxman had extraordinary powers of discernment.
What famous quote from this chapter describes Ahab's expression?
"Moody stricken Ahab stood before them with a crucifixion in his face; in all the nameless regal overbearing dignity of some mighty woe."
What does the Gay-Head Indian say about how Ahab lost his leg?
"Aye, he was dismasted off Japan... but like his dismasted craft, he shipped another mast without coming home for it. He has a quiver of 'em."