Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

第三十九章 First Night-Watch.

This chapter centers on Stubb’s first night watch, taking place on the ship’s fore-top, where he mends a brace, muses on laughter and predestination, notes Starbuck’s troubled state, daydreams playfully of his wife at home, sings a nautical toast verse, and responds to Starbuck’s call.

Stubb Alone in the Fore-Top Mending a Brace

Stubb is alone on the fore-top during his night watch, occupied with mending a ship’s brace as the opening scene of his shift.

Stubb’s Reflections on Laughter and Predestination

Stubb reflects that laughter is the wisest, easiest answer to all strange or difficult circumstances, and finds comfort in the belief that all events are predestinated. He notes he did not hear all of Starbuck’s recent conversation, but observed Starbuck looked troubled in a way that mirrored Stubb’s own mood from the prior evening, and believes Starbuck has been affected by the “old Mogul”. He declares he will face whatever comes next with laughter, and feels a whimsical, lighthearted mood coming on.

Stubb’s Observations of Starbuck’s Troubled State

Stubb observes that Starbuck appeared deeply troubled, and recognizes the same troubled expression Stubb himself had displayed just days prior. He is certain Starbuck has been marked by the same unknown force that affected him, and believes he could have predicted Starbuck’s state had he chosen to, as he saw signs of it in Starbuck’s skull.

Stubb’s Whimsical Thoughts on His Home Wife

Stubb’s thoughts turn whimsically to his wife waiting for him at home. He jokes that she may be crying her eyes out in worry, or more likely hosting a raucous party for newly arrived harpooneers, as carefree as a frigate’s pennant, much like his own current lighthearted mood.