Moby-Dick discussion questions Chapter 69 “The Funeral” and Chapter 70 “The Sphynx”
- What color is the stripped whale? Could that relate symbolically to Moby-Dick? Explain.
- Comment on Ishmael’s exclamation: “Oh, horrible vulturism of the earth!” Why does he say this? Why doesn’t he say “sea,” which seems more pertinent?
- How does Ishmael describe the head hanging from the side of the boat? What might be the point of using these words and this comparison?
- What does this head seem to mean to Ahab? Note especially Ahab’s metaphor for the earth; it carries significance.
