Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

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Chapter 39 - First Night-Watch

Chapter 39 - First Night-Watch from Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

(Stubb solus,and mending a brace.)

Ha! ha! ha! ha! hem! clear my throat!- I've been thinking over it ever since, and that ha, ha's the final consequence. Why so? Because a laugh's the wisest, easiest answer to all that's queer; and come what will, one comfort's always left- that unfailing comfort is, it's all predestinated. I heard not all his talk with Starbuck; but to my poor eye Starbuck then looked something as I the other evening felt. Be sure the old Mogul has fixed him, too. I twigged it, knew it; had the gift, might readily have prophesied it- for when I clapped my eye upon his skull I saw it. Well, Stubb, wise Stubb- that's my title- well, Stubb, what of it, Stubb? Here's a carcase. I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing. Such a waggish leering as lurks in all your horribles! I feel funny. Fa, la! lirra, skirra! What's my juicy little pear at home doing now? Crying its eyes out?- Giving a party to the last arrived harpooneers, I dare say, gay as a frigate's pennant, and so am I- fa, la! lirra, skirra! Oh-

We'll drink to-night with hearts as light, To love, as gay and fleeting As bubbles that swim, on the beaker's brim, And break on the lips while meeting.

A brave stave that- who calls? Mr. Starbuck? Aye, aye, sir- (Aside) he's my superior, he has his too, if I'm not mistaken.- Aye, aye, sir, just through with this job- coming.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chapter 39 - First Night-Watch from Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

What happens in Chapter 39 of Moby-Dick?

Chapter 39, "First Night-Watch," is a short soliloquy by Stubb, the second mate of the Pequod. Alone on deck and mending a brace during the evening watch, Stubb reflects on Ahab’s obsessive quest to hunt Moby Dick. Rather than resisting or worrying, Stubb decides to face whatever comes with laughter, declaring that humor is "the wisest, easiest answer to all that’s queer." He sings a drinking song before being called away by Starbuck.

What is Stubb’s philosophy in his soliloquy?

Stubb embraces a philosophy of jovial fatalism. He believes everything is "predestinated" and therefore beyond his control. Rather than agonize over Ahab’s dangerous mission like Starbuck does, or fuel himself with rage like Ahab, Stubb chooses to laugh and remain cheerful. He declares he will go to whatever fate awaits him laughing, finding comfort in the idea that worry is pointless when destiny is already fixed.

How does Stubb’s reaction to Ahab differ from Starbuck’s?

Starbuck reacts to Ahab’s quest with moral anguish and deep concern in Chapter 38, viewing the captain’s obsession as blasphemous and dangerous. Stubb, by contrast, responds with laughter and casual acceptance in Chapter 39. While Starbuck struggles with his conscience and duty, Stubb simply accepts the situation as predestined and chooses to enjoy himself. This contrast highlights the different ways crew members cope with Ahab’s tyrannical leadership.

Why does Stubb call Ahab "the old Mogul"?

Stubb’s nickname "the old Mogul" for Ahab references the Mughal emperors, powerful rulers known for absolute authority. The term conveys Ahab’s imperious, dominating nature. Stubb uses it with a mix of respect and wariness, acknowledging that Ahab has "fixed" Starbuck—meaning bent the first mate to his will—just as Ahab dominates the entire crew through the force of his personality and obsession.

What is the significance of the drinking song Stubb sings?

Stubb’s drinking song about love that is "gay and fleeting / As bubbles that swim, on the beaker’s brim" reflects his carpe diem attitude. The song’s imagery of bubbles breaking on the lips while drinking captures the transience of life and pleasure—a fitting metaphor for Stubb’s fatalistic worldview. By singing during a moment of looming danger, Stubb reinforces his commitment to enjoying life rather than fearing what lies ahead.

Why are Chapters 37–39 of Moby-Dick written as soliloquies?

Melville writes Chapters 37–39 in a dramatic, theatrical format—each chapter is a soliloquy by a different character: Ahab (Chapter 37), Starbuck (Chapter 38), and Stubb (Chapter 39). This technique allows Melville to reveal the private thoughts and philosophies of each character in their own voice. The sequence provides three contrasting reactions to the voyage’s dangerous purpose: Ahab’s obsessive determination, Starbuck’s moral resistance, and Stubb’s fatalistic humor.