For the past seventeen chapters, Ishmael has reflected on religion a multitude of times. Each conversation tends to revolve around Queequeg’s “Pagan” actions, and I can’t help but feel like Melville really emphasizes the idea of “the other.” First, Ishmael recounts in chapter 17 of Queequeg silently fasting. “But when a man’s religion becomes really frantic; when it is a positive torment to him; and, in fine, makes this earth of ours an uncomfortable inn to lodge in; then I think it high time to take that individual aside and argue the point with him.” (94) Religion is brought it when it becomes a bother to Ishmael, when it starts to become a lot more foreign and unfamiliar. We had Mapple be highly emotional during the sermon, and Ishmael didn’t necessarily comment on that. It’s not different to him, it isn’t “other.” I could argue that in this day and age, many people use religion as an excuse to do highly extreme things. Part of me wonders if Queequeg did this in the name of the right “God,” would Ishmael still feel the same way despite claiming that there needs to be a means to argue?
And right after this chapter, we have Captain Bildad demands to see Queequeg’s papers. There’s this need for acclimation towards the majority, right as Bildad says “He must show that he’s converted. Son of darkness,’ he added, turning to Queequeg, “art thou at present in communion with any christian church?” (96), it becomes clear that the unfamiliarity towards a pagan cannibal’s presence and ways are unwelcome. They haven’t taken the time to be as open as Ishmael had been despite his initial confusion. I can only imagine the future development from here on out, but in all honesty, there’s this whole spiel about these whaling outcasts that just don’t fit in, even on a ship with each other.
Moby-Dick
ECL 522: Fall 2025. Professor Pressman
Hi Dianna, I can definitely agree with this. My dad’s about the same way, though that’d be too personal a story to share here. You did a great job making the connection between Ishmael’s internal thoughts and Captain Bildad’s dialogue, and it’s clear that both had different approaches despite starting from the same beliefs.
help i dont know how to edit after posting
Hey Dianna! I loved reading through your response and your reflection of “the other”. I found it interesting that Ishmael was accepting of Queequeg and his different religion until he saw it in practice. Once the unfamiliar came to the forefront Ishmael instantly put those walls back up. I love the question you brought up, “Part of me wonders if Queequeg did this in the name of the right “God,” would Ishmael still feel the same way despite claiming that there needs to be a means to argue?”. This is something that I also thought about, what makes one religion correct? And if Queequeg was practicing this under what Ishmael considered to be the “right God” would there ever be a conversation? Great work here!
Hey Dianna! I loved reading through your response and your reflection of “the other”. I found it interesting that Ishmael was accepting of Queequeg and his different religion until he saw it in practice. Once the unfamiliar came to the forefront Ishmael instantly put those walls back up. I love the question you brought up, “Part of me wonders if Queequeg did this in the name of the right “God,” would Ishmael still feel the same way despite claiming that there needs to be a means to argue?”. This is something that I also thought about, what makes one religion correct? And if Queequeg was practicing this under what Ishmael considered to be the “right God” would there ever be a conversation? Great work