Moby Dick Chapter 108 - 109

Chapter 108 - 109

Ahab and the Carpenter/Ahab and Starbuck in the Cabin

Ahab has the carpenter measure his leg for the new ivory; while he's doing so, Ahab goes into a rant about the fire of life, and Prometheus, which baffles the literal minded carpenter, who hands him a lantern.

"'Oh, Life! Here I am, proud as a Greek god, and yet standing debtor to this block-head for a bone to stand on!'" Chapter 108, pg. 397

The next morning, the men are pumping water when a large amount of oil comes up with the water. This means a leak has sprung in the caskets. Starbuck goes down below to tell Ahab, who he finds poring over charts of the area.

Ahab is unconcerned of the news, and when Starbuck tells him they need to stop and fix the leak, Ahab explodes at him in anger. Starbuck tries to reason with the captain, but Ahab points a pistol at him, declaring himself the god of the Peqoud. Starbuck holds his ground a moment longer.

"'Thou hast outraged, not insulted me, sir; but for that I ask thee not to beware of Starbuck; thou wouldst but laugh; but let Ahab beware of Ahab; beware of thyself, old man.'" Chapter 109, pg. 399

He goes back up top. But Ahab, affected by his words, soon follows. He apologizes to Starbuck, and has the ship halted.