One might conclude that this chapter is about power, government, and laws. What does it suggest about those things? What …

What comparison does this chapter make between humans and whales? Does it seem fitting to you? What do you find …

In what way are the pirates chasing the Pequod analogous to the Pequod chasing the whales? What are the possible …

In several of the chapters of this book, Ishmael tries to help the reader understand whales and whaling on a …

Stubb compares the whale’s bloody spout to fireworks on the Fourth of July. How could that be read symbolically? How, …

Is this chapter title ironic, or not? Explain? What is humorous in this chapter? In what way does this chapter …

Is this chapter title ironic, or not? Explain? What is humorous in this chapter? In what way does this chapter …

What is phrenology? How does it relate to Ishmael’s assertion that, “The whale, like all things that are mighty, wears …

When Ishmael says, “I try all things. I achieve what I can.” Does it? Explain. What idea does Ishmael get …

What battering-ram does Ishmael here describe? Why is this possibly important for the plot of the novel? Why is this …