How does Melville mix humor and seriousness in this chapter? What’s funny? What serious ideas does he convey? Although Ishmael …

In this chapter we meet the Pequod’s principal owners, Peleg and Bildad. What seems comical about them? What seems serious? …

According to this chapter, how do Nantucketers differ from other people? What simile does he use to describe them? From …

Many Yankees in this chapter laugh at Ishmael and Queequeg. How does Melville undermine that laughter? What analogy does Ishmael …

What philosophical observation about contrast does Ishmael make in this chapter? How truthful does it seem to you? Ishmael observes …

How is the tone of this chapter different from the previous one? How and why do Ishmael’s opinions about Queequeg …

Describe the peculiarities of the pulpit within this chapel. With what critical symbol does Melville end this chapter? Describe the …

Why does Ishmael go to the chapel? What sorts of things “have their meaning”? What does Ishmael mean when he …

Why does Melville draw a parallel between “Mediterranean mariners” in New York or Philadelphia, and “Yankees” in Bombay? How do …

What is Ishmael’s attitude toward humor and jokes? How does this add to your understanding (or change your understanding) of …