“Do you see that mainmast there?” pointing to the ship; “well, that’s the figure one; now take all the hoops in the Pequod’s hold, and string ’em along in a row with that mast, for ought, do you see; well, that wouldn’t begin to be Fedallah’s age. Nor all the coopers in creation couldn’t show hoops enough to make oughts enough”(P.356). In this quote from Moby-Dick Stub uses a humorous metaphor comparing the ship’s mainmast and countless barrel hoops to describe Fedallah’s mysterious, seemingly ancient age. Melville uses exaggerated imagery and mockery, portraying the superstitious awe the crew feels toward Fedallah. The piling of “hoops” and “oughts” creates a sense of endless repetition, suggesting something beyond human comprehension. This passage shows how the sailors struggle to understand Fedallah’s eerie presence, symbolizing their confrontation with the unknown forces that guide the Pequod. It also underscores Melville’s theme of human limitation no amount of measurement or logic can grasp the depths of fate and mystery embodied by Fedallah.