Narrator’s Unvoiced Apprehensions About Captain Ahab
During the days of preparation, the narrator and Queequeg often visited the ship, and the narrator repeatedly asked about Captain Ahab—how he was and when he would come aboard. The answers were that he was getting better and expected aboard every day, while Captains Peleg and Bildad attended to fitting the vessel. Yet if the narrator had been honest with himself, he would have seen that he did but half fancy being committed to so long a voyage without once seeing the man who would be its absolute dictator once the ship reached open sea. Suspecting wrong, the narrator insensibly strove to cover up his suspicions even from himself, saying nothing and trying to think nothing.
Announcement of Imminent Departure
At last, word was given that the ship would certainly sail sometime the next day. When that morning came, Queequeg and the narrator took a very early start.
CAPÍTULO 21. Going Aboard
Chapter 21 follows Ishmael and Queequeg’s arrival at the wharf in grey dawn, their unsettling encounter with the prophetic Elijah, boarding the mysteriously quiet Pequod, discovering and disturbing a sleeping rigger in the forecastle, and finally witnessing the crew assemble while Captain Ahab remains secluded within his cabin. The chapter establishes an atmosphere of ominous anticipation as the voyage’s commencement draws near.
Wharf Encounter with Elijah
As Ishmael and Queequeg approach the wharf nearly an hour before sunrise, a figure emerges from the mist behind them. Elijah inserts himself between the two sailors, asking pointedly if they are “going aboard.” When Ishmael demands he withdraw, Elijah responds with puzzling wonder, as though the answer surprises him. He then poses several cryptic questions about whether they saw men approaching the ship earlier, and though Ishmael confirms seeing four or five figures in the dim light, Elijah offers no explanation. He makes vague references to warning them about something, then abruptly shifts to commenting on the weather before departing with references to the Grand Jury, leaving Ishmael bewildered by his “frantic impudence.”
Boarding the Pequod and Interacting with the Sleeping Rigger
Upon boarding the Pequod, Ishmael finds profound quiet throughout the vessel. The cabin entrance is locked from within, hatches are closed and weighted with rigging coils. In the forecastle, they discover a sleeping old rigger lying face-down on two chests, wrapped in a tattered pea-jacket with his arms folded. Ishmael jokes about sitting up with the body, but Queequeg sits directly on the sleeper’s back, explaining it is customary in his country where lower classes serve as living furniture. When the narrator protests that Queequeg’s weight will grind the man’s face, Queequeg counters that his country considers this proper seating and won’t harm the face. They pass a tomahawk pipe over the sleeping man while Queequeg shares customs from his homeland regarding the use of human ottomans by chiefs and kings.
Rigger Wakes and Reveals Ahab’s Presence
The pipe smoke filling the confined forecastle space eventually disturbs the sleeper. He breathes heavily, his nose troubles him, and after revolving over once or twice, he sits up and rubs his eyes. Upon discovering the two smokers, he asks who they are. Ishmael answers that they are shipped men and inquires when the ship sails. The rigger confirms she sails that day and reveals that Captain Ahab came aboard the previous night. When Ishmael begins to ask further questions about Ahab, a noise on deck interrupts them. The rigger identifies it as Starbuck stirring and describes him as a lively chief mate and good pious man before heading on deck.
Crew Assembly and Ahab’s Seclusion
By the time Ishmael and Queequeg emerge onto deck, it is clear sunrise. The crew begins arriving in small groups while riggers busy themselves and the mates engage actively in preparations. Various shore people bring last-minute supplies aboard. Throughout all this activity, Captain Ahab remains invisibly enshrined within his locked cabin, nowhere to be seen despite the bustle surrounding the Pequod’s imminent departure.
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