Moby-Dick Questions Ch. 132: In the “Symphony,” what do we learn about Ahab

In the “Symphony,” what do we learn about Ahab that makes us sympathize with him?  Is there a reconciliation between Starbuck and Ahab in this chapter?  Why does Starbuck call Ahab a “noble soul”?  What is the significance of the questions Ahab asks himself on p. 592 [406-407]?  What is the significance of the way this chapter ends, in the last three paragraphs, and how does it relate to the question Ahab asked about Moby Dick in ch. 36 about agent and principal.