While reading chapters four through twelve of Moby-Dick the development of friendship between Ishmael and Queequeg was extremely notable. The growth of understanding and friendship between these two characters seems rather abrupt, however, it was refreshing to see two people from rather opposite backgrounds begin to bond and respect each other. Throughout chapter three of the novel, we see Ishmael do anything in his power to remove himself from Queequeg path before he ever meets him. However, once the two meet this feeling of understanding begins and really transforms in chapter ten. Ishmael’s open mind towards Queequeg was fascinating because of the ways it challenges what is considered acceptable in American society during these times. The men are drastically different, but those factors did not deter Ishmael, they made him curious, “I began to feel myself mysteriously drawn towards him. And those same things that would have repelled most others, they were the very magnets that thus drew me” (Melville 57). Within Melville’s society, it had become far too common to judge someone immediately based on whether they came from a different race, culture, or religion. However, this is his way of inviting us to be curious and learn about others before joining in on the close-minded ways of judging before we understand. Through their relationship, Melvillie is showing more than just two men becoming friends, he is exploring how people from different backgrounds can care for each other if they allow themselves to open their minds. 

Ishmael and Queequeg become friends despite their different upbringings, but Ishmael is also shown understanding and respecting Queequeg’s culture. One way that this is shown in the novel is after they spend time reading and smoking together, their friendship deepens, it states, “he pressed his forehead against mine, clasped me round the waist, and said that henceforth we were married; meaning, in his country’s phrase, that we were bosom friends; he would gladly die for me if need should be” (Melville 57). This passage holds its importance with Melvillie’s word choice. Ishmael acknowledges that the showing of intimacy from Queequeg, such as a kiss on the forehead along with the term “married” is simply his way of saying they have become very close friends within his culture. Melville expands on the idea that within American society these gestures would be seen as way too quick and should be signs to further distrust someone. However, Ishmael’s understanding and respect for Queequeg and their newfound friendship allows him to put aside the toxic idea that American/Christian thinking is the only valid way. While reading it felt like Melville is calling out society for their idea of savage vs civil and how quickly everyone is to judge others that don’t conform to their ideas, but completely ignore the violence and wrongdoings of those that are like minded. This reading was great and I am extremely interested to see where Ishmael and Queequeg’s relationship is taken throughout the novel.