Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

KAPITEL 120. The Deck Towards the End of the First Night Watch.

This chapter presents a tense midnight confrontation on the deck between Captain Ahab at the helm and the first mate Starbuck, who approaches with urgent reports about deteriorating sail conditions and rising wind. The scene captures Ahab’s unyielding defiance against the elements and his disdain for conventional seamanship.

Ahab at the Helm

Ahab stands resolute at the helm as the first night watch draws toward its end. Starbuck approaches him with pressing concerns about the ship’s rigging, setting the stage for a sharp exchange regarding how to handle the worsening conditions.

Sail Yard Report

Starbuck reports that the main-top-sail yard’s band is working loose and the lee lift has become half-stranded. He asks Ahab’s permission to strike—that is, to lower—the sail before it causes damage to the rigging.

Refusal to Strike

Ahab categorically refuses to strike anything, ordering instead that all equipment be lashed firmly in place. He even declares that if he had sky-sail poles, he would raise them higher into the increasingly wild wind.

Anchor Report

Starbuck then informs Ahab that the anchors are working loose and beginning to drag. He asks whether he should get them back inboard to prevent them from causing further problems as the ship pitches.

Command to Lash

Again Ahab refuses to strike or stir anything, repeating his command to lash everything down. He grows irritated, cursing by “masts and keels” that Starbuck is treating him like some hunch-backed coaster captain, and he sharply orders the crew to hurry and secure everything.

Wind Rising

While acknowledging that the wind is rising, Ahab insists it has not yet reached his metaphorical “table-lands”—his higher threshold of concern. He expresses confidence that his loftiest equipment was made for the wildest winds.

Brain-Truck Metaphor

Ahab employs a striking metaphor comparing himself to a ship, declaring that his “brain-truck” now sails amid the cloud-scud. He boldly states that only cowards would lower their brain-trucks in tempest time, defiantly refusing to strike anything down.

Colic Remark

Ahab remarks that the roaring uproar aloft might be taken for sublime if one didn’t recognize that the colic is also a noisy malady. He concludes with sardonic self-admonishment, telling himself to “take medicine, take medicine”—suggesting both amusement and resignation at the chaos surrounding him.

KAPITEL 121. Midnight.—The Forecastle Bulwarks.

This chapter depicts Stubb and Flask at midnight, busy securing the anchors mounted on the forecaste bulwarks. Their labor is accompanied by philosophical dialogue, as Stubb demonstrates his characteristic wit and tendency toward digressive reasoning on practical matters.

Midnight on the Forecastle Bulwarks

The scene opens at the midnight watch, with Stubb and Flask working on the forecaste. The two seamen are lashing additional rope over the anchors that hang in place, securing them against the harsh conditions. The atmosphere is one of focused labor punctuated by Stubb’s banter and contemplation.

Stubb and Flask Secure Forecastle Anchors

The two mates work together to secure the anchors with additional lashings. Stubb notes that tying the anchors down feels like “tying a man’s hands behind him,” yet he marvels at the anchors’ powerful holds, calling them “iron fists.” He reflects philosophically on whether the world itself is anchored anywhere, suggesting it swings with an uncommon long cable.

Stubb Debates Ship Insurance Risks with Flask

Stubb’s earlier claim resurfaces when Flask recalls that Stubb once argued any ship Ahab sails in should pay extra insurance, comparing it to a vessel loaded with powder barrels. Stubb partially retracts his position, claiming he has “changed his flesh” and therefore his mind. He points out that the Marine Insurance companies have extra guarantees for such risks, with hydrants and other safety measures in place.

Stubb Discusses Lightning Rod Safety at Sea

Stubb explains that holding a mast’s lightning-rod in a storm presents no danger unless the mast itself is first struck. He argues that since only one ship in a hundred carries rods, Ahab and the crew face no more danger than crews aboard ten thousand ships without rods. He dismisses Flask’s concerns as overly cautious, suggesting only “timber-heads” would worry about such matters.