It would be gothic literature because Edgar Allen Poe has always had a very gothic and low life when he was 2 all the way to he died. Later in life he married a 13 year old girl. He always begged for money then when got the money he would spend it all on the 13 year old's education. Since he was a addicted to beer and wine he died hat the age of 40 due to what every one believes that it was alcohol poisoning.
It signifies that Ahab sees himself as an equal and dependent part of a greater whole. Simply, he's lost part of himself trying to dominate it so now he is dependent upon it.
