Oh Queequeg, our Bosom Friend. It’s hard not to be allured by his awkward civility, “neither caterpillar nor butterfly” (31). What’s great about him is that he’s just honest, more noble, and nowhere near as savage as some other so-called civilized characters. After his initial fears of Queequeg subside, we see Ishmael’s willingness to try this friendship out and we too are invited to change our minds (something hardly allowed and not easily done in the contentious, debate-brained climate we are plagued by). The passage I want to highlight is what I would say is the moment Ishmael, and us in turn, fully puts aside any differences and welcomes Queequeg with all his peculiarities:
“No more my splintered heart and maddened hand were turned against the wolfish world. This soothing savage had redeemed it. There he sat, his very indifference speaking a nature in which there lurked no civilized hypocrisies and bland deceits… And those same things that would have repelled most others, they were the very magnets that thus drew me. I’ll try a pagan friend, thought I, since Christian kindness has proved but a hollow courtesy” (57).
In shutting down the preconceived notions of the savage which sits before him, Ishmael pushes us to reflect on the true savagery of our own “civilized” society. In resisting the tribalism so often pushed upon us, meant to divide and pit one against the other, we can reserve our splintered hearts and maddened hands. This soothing savage has reconstructed our entire view of the wolfish/savage world. Melville’s juxtaposition in the “soothing savage” is very powerful here as the contrast paints a new image for what a savage can be, breaking away from the fearful connotation of the title; it certainly doesn’t align with the “other “cannibal” title previously attributed to him.
Ishmael then goes further and deconstructs our perceptions of what “civilized” entails. This savage has no lurking ill intent. In fact, he’s often the first to act when people are in desperate need while the “civilized” men will stand by. It’s very intriguing knowing that this was written just before the civil war; Melville saw the hypocrisy of civilization, many that can be compared to current events. Why should we be the civilized ones when there’s no end to the hypocrisies and bland deceits on every level? Wouldn’t the countless acts of violence in our country make us savage? Are we not run by a savage whose condolences are naught more than hollow courtesy when the next words out of his mouth are more hateful and divisive rhetoric?
Hi Diego,
Thank you for pointing out that both Ishmael and Queequeg are bosom friends. I was particularly confused by that part because their intimacy feels a little bit too close to what a couple portrays. But I’m very glad you pointed it out, and be able to dissect every single detail of it. I do believe that Ishamel is a judgy type of person so every time he met Queequeg, he sort of judged him and his behavior while trying to grow closer to the one person that he considered to be a friend. They both have that emotional connection where they feel comfortable with each other, and enjoy one another’s company. It feels like we are diving deeper into the story of Ishmael as we are able to see his perspective and what his intentions are.
Along with pointing out the hypocrisy of civilization Melville seems to point out the hypocrisy of Christianity as well when he says: “Christian kindness has proved but a hollow courtesy.” Interesting that he paints a hypocrisy of Christianity when god is such a recurring theme. Specially in the previous chapters that take place in the chapel. I find it very relevant that you point out the connections to current events as well as the looming civil war. I didn’t think of this until now, but speaking of the word looming, that is the title of the first chapter. All this mention of hypocrisy, of Christian hollowed kindness, seems to be a warning. Is Melville telling his readers that a war is looming? Maybe that is why it took time for the book to be recognized for its greatness. No one realized his warning until after the war transpired. Also I appreciate your last line! Great commentary.
Great post and comments on it! You have the kernel of a thesis statement here: “Ishmael then goes further and deconstructs our perceptions of what “civilized” entails.” This is certainly an argument about WHAT the novel is doing and WHY. Great job!