Read the passage from the novel Moby-D ick. How does the author use the wind here to tell the reader more about the main charact
er, Captain Ahab? From Moby-D ick
“And yet, I say again, and swear it now, that there’s something all glorious and gracious in the wind. These warm trade winds, at least, that in the clear heavens blow straight on, in strong and steadfast, vigorous mildness; and veer not from their mark, however the baser currents of the sea may turn and tack, and mightiest Mississippis of the land swift and swerve about, uncertain where to go at last. And by the eternal poles! these same trades that so directly blow my good ship on; these trades, or something like them—something so unchangeable, and full as strong, blow my keeled soul along!”
a) Captain Ahab is certain that, should he die pursuing the white whale, his soul will ascend to heaven.
b) Captain Ahab feels justified and confident in his unwavering pursuit of the white whale.
c) Captain Ahab is worried that unfavorable winds might cause him to fail to find the white whale.
d) Captain Ahab is glad that the strong trade winds are helping him catch up with the white whale.
D) Captain Ahab is glad that the strong trade winds are helping him catch up with the white whale.
Explanation:
At the beginning of the passage captain Ahab starts praising the wind in all ways possible, he feels physically and mentally motivated by it, believes the wind influence his life and his goals in a positive way.
At the end of the passage (<em>these same trades that so directly blow my good ship on; these trades, or something like them—something so unchangeable, and full as strong, blow my keeled soul along!”)</em> he feels extremely motivated by the trades, in favor or against him, the wind influence his mood positively, and makes him feel better with himself and closer to accomplish his personal goals.
