第十六章 The Ship.
CHAPTER 16. The Ship. In this chapter, Ishmael recounts the process of selecting and boarding the whaling vessel that will carry him and Queequeg on their voyage. The narrative moves from Queequeg’s surprising deference to his little god Yojo regarding the choice of ship, through Ishmael’s inspection of the three available whaling vessels in the harbor, to his decision to sail on the Pequod. The chapter then provides a vivid, elaborate physical description of the Pequod, followed by Ishmael’s encounters with the ship’s two principal owners: Captain Peleg, the bluff and testy retired sea captain who interviews prospective crew members, and Captain Bildad, the pious and parsimonious Quaker who shares ownership and management of the vessel.
Queequeg Defers Ship Selection to Yojo
Queequeg Defers Ship Selection to Yojo In their shared lodgings, Ishmael and Queequeg had planned to go together among the whaling fleet in harbor and jointly select a suitable ship. However, Queequeg surprises Ishmael by deferring the entire matter of ship selection to Yojo, his small black idol. Yojo has repeatedly insisted that the choice of vessel should rest wholly with Ishmael, purportedly to befriend them both. Queequeg has great confidence in Yojo’s judgment and forecasting abilities, regarding him as a generally well-intentioned god, though one whose benevolent designs do not always succeed. Despite Ishmael’s misgivings—he had relied on Queequeg’s practical sagacity to pick a safe ship—Queequeg will not be swayed. Ishmael acquiesces and resolves to handle the business with decisive energy. The next morning, he leaves Queequeg behind in their room observing a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer (which Ishmael can never fully understand) and sets out to inspect the available ships.
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