In chapter 35, the ship can be seen as a space that is isolating which then results in a loss of self identity. Ishmael mentions that being on top of the mast-head, which is at the highest point of a ship where men stand watch, stands at “a hundred feet above the silent decks.” The mast-head is physically and mentally isolated from everyone, leaving the sailor no other choice but to be alone with his thoughts. The sailors go through a routine every couple hours to switch out the mast-head watchers. During these shifts, these men are by themselves for hours at a time, so there is no room for socializing with the other men and building relationships- a reality that heightens their sense of isolation. Ishmael goes on to say, “There you stand, lost in the infinite series of the sea, which nothing ruffled but the waves” (Melville 169). The ocean may be captivating, but there is no one in sight and the stillness of the ocean and sound of the waves causes solitude and loneliness to creep up. Due to the solitude, it contributes to the loss of self identity. Ishmael says, “unconscious reverie is this absent-minded youth by the blending cadence of waves with thought, that at last he loses his identity” (Melville 172). The waves are hypnotizing young men, including Ishmael, and causing them to get lost in their own thoughts and ultimately leading to a detachment from reality so greatly that their identities also fade away. By being so absorbed in one’s thoughts can bring up existential questions, which overall leads to curiosity and uncertainty, and of course eventually leads to identity issues. Ishmael even brings up that he was a “sorry guard” due to the fact that he was left completely alone with his thoughts so high up. His self reflection showed how isolation has a great impact on the human psyche, showing that having your thoughts overpower you to the point where you detach from the physical world can lead to a loss of self.

Ishmael claims to be respectful towards different religions, however, his reactions to Queequeg shows his acceptance only goes so far. Melville uses Ishmael to reveal the hypocrisy and the cultural bias within the Christian religion. When referring to his Christianity, Ishmael says “we good Presbyterian Christians…” By Ishmael referring to Christianity as “good”, it shows that he believes the Christian faith is the only correct way and most respectful, even though he claims to be respectful of other faiths. This exposes his religious bias. Ishmael represents Christians of the 19th century and their narrow-mindedness by believing Christianity is the only good and correct religion out there. 

When Ishmael comes in contact with Queequeg doing his traditions (his Ramadan, praying, and worshipping), he has a lot to say. A lot of negative things at that. When Ishmael saw Queequeg praying on the floor, he says, “it seemed so downright senseless and insane to be sitting there all day and half the night on his hams in a cold room, holding a piece of wood on his head” (Melville 93). By using the words “senseless” and “insane” shows that Ishmael’s Christian views had shaped his understanding of what “proper” worshipping is. He has a certain notion of how to properly worship God. And anything not seen as Christian is deemed weird. 

Ishmael also goes on to criticize the fasting Queequeg does due to his beliefs. He goes on to make points against the fasting, even calling Queequeg’s beliefs “frantic”. Ishmael says that “prolonged ham-squatting in cold, cheerless rooms were stark nonsense; bad for the health; useless for the soul” (Melville 94). Again, while Ishmael claims to be respectful, he shows otherwise- showing his hypocrisy and his bias. He dismisses what he does not understand and tries to make excuses to justify his prejudices.