Chapter 130 Summary

The mood aboard the Pequod has turned grim and solemn. Not even Stubb jokes and laughs. Ahab and Fedallah keep a constant watch on the crew and the nearby ocean. As if he doubts his crew would cry out if they were to see Moby Dick, Ahab rigs up a basket to allow himself to keep watch upon one of the masts. Interestingly, Ahab chooses Starbuck, the only man openly against Ahab's plan of revenge against Moby Dick, to watch the rope that secures his basket. As he watches from his perch, a sea-hawk flies near and steals Ahab's hat.

Chapter 130 Analysis

The theft of Ahab's hat is another bad omen. Ishmael recalls the story of Tarquin and Tanaquil. A bird flew round Tarquin's head three times, taking his hat, but then replacing it. At this, Tanaquil declares Tarquin will be king. However...