The Sea’s Mighty Advance
The sea rolls in massive swells, propelling the Pequod forward with tremendous force. A strong, steady wind fills the air, making the world seem to billow like sails. The sun remains hidden behind bright light, its rays appearing as bayonets across the sky. Everything glows with golden warmth as if the sea were a crucible of molten gold.
Ahab’s Silent Vigil
Ahab stands apart in enchanted silence, watching the ship pitch and roll. Each time the bowsprit dips, he turns to observe the bright sun’s rays ahead; when the stern settles, he looks behind to see the sun’s position blending with the ship’s wake. He maintains this vigil with unusual intensity.
The Sun’s Chariot Boast
Ahab proclaims the Pequod to be the sea-chariot of the sun, boasting that he brings the sun to all nations before him. He drives the sea like a tandem team, commanding the further billows. His manic excitement suddenly shifts when he demands to know the ship’s heading.
The Compass Error
The steersman reports the ship is heading east-sou-east, which prompts Ahab to strike him with his fist. Ahab insists this is impossible given the sun is astern. Every crew member becomes confounded by this discrepancy they had failed to notice, though the phenomenon’s obviousness should have made it impossible to miss.
Eastward While Going West
Ahab peers into the binnacle and sees that both compasses point east, yet the Pequod is unmistakably heading west. His uplifted arm falls slowly, and for a moment he almost staggers. The ship is traveling in the opposite direction from where its compasses point.
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