Moby-Dick Discussion questions Chapter 1 “Loomings”: What are the several meanings of “loomings”
What are the several meanings of “loomings”? In what ways do all of these meanings seem appropriate?
What does Melville tell us about the narrator by naming him “Ishmael”? What things might this name foreshadow?
Why does Ishmael go to sea? What is he trying to find?
What common human instinct does Ishmael notice in this chapter? Why does Melville point it out?
What reasons does Ishmael give for going to sea as a common sailor?
Why does Ishmael choose to take a whaling voyage in particular?
The chapter ends with a metaphor and a simile describing Moby Dick. What are the meanings of those figures of speech? In other words, what do they suggest about the whale?
