Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Map Branches

• Theme: Social Hierarchy
  • Character Representing Theme: Ishmael (name symbolizes exiles and social outcasts)
  • Associated Plotline: Ishmael sets out on a voyage from Manhattan to travel on a whaling ship
  • Associated Plotline: The Pequod, the whaling ship Ishmael is on, is struck by Moby Dick and sinks, only Ishmael survives
• Theme: Politics
  • Character Representing Theme: Starbuck
  • Associated Plotline: Starbuck is alone among crew members in objecting to Ahab's plans
  • Associated Plotline: Starbuck considers overthrowing Ahab and killing him with a musket because of Ahab's maniacal plan to kill Moby Dick
• Theme: Revenge
  • Character Representing Theme: Ahab (the tragic hero with a great heart and fatal flaw)
  • Associated Plotline: Ahab's monomaniacal desire to kill Moby Dick, the whale who maimed him in a previous voyage
  • Associated Plotline: Ahab calls a meeting with the crew to discuss his secret plan for the voyage -- to kill Moby Dick. Gains support of crew.
  • Associated Plotline: Moby Dick kills Ahab and sinks his ship
• Theme: Religion
  • Character Representing Theme: Elijah (biblical sounding name representing the biblical prophet)
  • Associated Plotline: Queequeg and Ishmael meet Elijah on the dock
  • Associated Plotline: Elijah prophesies troubles to come for Ahab

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