Ahab Orders a New Ivory Prosthetic Leg
Regardless of supernatural matters, Ahab took plain practical procedures—he called the carpenter. When that functionary appeared, Ahab bade him set about making a new leg without delay and directed the mates to supply all the studs and joists of jaw-ivory from sperm whales that had been accumulated on the voyage. The carpenter was to secure the stoutest, clearest-grained material through careful selection. He received orders to have the leg completed that night and to provide all fittings independent of the distrusted one in use. Additionally, the ship’s forge was ordered hoisted from temporary idleness in the hold, and the blacksmith was commanded to proceed at once to forging whatever iron contrivances might be needed.
第一百零七章 The Carpenter.
Chapter 107 presents the Pequod’s carpenter as a singular individual rising above the common mob of humanity. While abstracted man alone appears wondrous, humanity in mass resembles unnecessary duplicates. The carpenter stands apart as no duplicate, coming now in person to the narrative stage.
The Pequod’s Carpenter
The Pequod’s carpenter represents a unique presence aboard the ship. Unlike the generic abstraction of humanity, he possesses an individuality that distinguishes him from the mass of seamen, making him worthy of personal attention and narrative focus.
Versatile Shipwright
As a versatile shipwright, the carpenter possesses experience across numerous trades and callings collateral to his primary craft. His pursuit connects to the ancient trunk of handicrafts dealing with wood as auxiliary material. Beyond generic competence, he demonstrates singular efficiency in handling the thousand nameless mechanical emergencies that arise during extended voyages in uncivilized, distant waters.
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