Chapter 37-40 Summary

Ahab is alone in his cabin thinking over the events of the meeting with his crew. He admits to himself he expected to find at least one to be distrustful of his plan as Starbuck was. Ahab notes that he no longer finds pleasure in life and seeks only vengeance. Although the men may think Ahab is mad, he knows he is mad. In addition, Ahab indicates that the loss of his leg was prophesized before it happened and he chose not to heed the warning. Ahab now prophesizes that he will dismember the whale as the whale dismembered him.

Starbuck leans against the main mast thinking back over the scene that just played out before him. Although he wants to disobey Ahab and go against his orders, he feels in a way tied to the man and obligated to do...