In this chapter, Ishmael arrives at the chapel where he is faced with the reality of the dangers from whaling, he is reminded that the end of the trip is not the same for everyone and there is one outcome that can never be overruled as they sail away-death. Melville starts off the chapter with a change of scenery, the once clear and sunny sky changed to driving sleet and mist pushing the readers beneath the dark cloud alongside the sorrowful widows, sailors and their wives as they scan over the marble tablets replacing the presence of the once mortal sailors.
While taking in what is in front of him Ishmael becomes aware of his own possible death stating “Yes, Ishmael, the same fate may be thine. But somehow I grew merry again…Methinks my body is but the lees of my better being. In fact take my body who will, take it I say, it is not me.” (P. 42) Ishmael repeats, almost daringly, for death to take his body for his body is a use of passage for his soul to move freely. In acceptance, Ishmael is not afraid of death as he as his true self will live on much longer, suggesting a separation of soul and body.
Knowing that he just viewed what life was like for the living after the death of a sailor, I think this was a changing point for Ishmael. If there was any doubt or fear that he might have been considering, eliminating the fear of death is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, gain. Humans naturally fight to survive in near death experiences and having an already eased mindset in case of death will most likely push Ishmael into unforgiving circumstances.
You have some good points here, though I would like to see you bring them together a bit more. You write, ” I think this was a changing point for Ishmael.” What part of this is a changing point? WHERE in the text you see that change? And WHY do you think it matters? This is a really good insight that you have, and I think it deserves a little more attention. Keep going in your close reading!
Hello Jackie,
I really liked how you explained Ishmael’s acceptance of death. When Ishmael reflects on his own demise, he separates the idea of the body from the soul—that the body is just temporary and not who he truly is. So, while our physical bodies die and decay, our true self will still live on. I also like how you pointed out that eliminating fear of death is a big gain. By seeing death as inevitable, Ishmael can now face any danger with a clearer mind.
It sent as anonymous for some reason, but this is Francisca!