Final+Product-Feminism

Melville explores the direction of the United States in the nineteenth century through the use of a closed, highly androcentric society and the successes and failures of the inhabitants within it. He comments on the issue of feminism and the feminist movement through the relationship of Ishmael and Queequeg, the masculinity of the whaling crew resulting in their voracious and single-minded approach to life, and the masculine tendencies of the whaling profession, leading to the final destruction of the Pequod itself, the pinnacle of masculinity, and the survival of the character that exudes the most feminine traits.
 * Argument and Analysis**

In scene one, we are introduced to two of the main characters. Ahab’s physical appearance is described to present a picture of how he his perceived by the rest of the world. Whalers are seen as tough, rough-hewn, very masculine individuals, who most people would normally avoid. Ahab is an extreme in this sense, as he is in all aspects of his life, being exceptionally scarred, disfigured, and menacing. The author uses this extreme scenario to acclimate the United States to what a one-sided society looks like to the outside world, while it may appear to be functioning from the inside.

The next scene depicts third-mate Flask, also known as ‘King Post’, on one of the whale hunts in the novel. He stands on the harpooning platform, with no regard for anything around him, making very irrational comments the entire time. He is completely swept up in the hunt and has no sense of reality; this testosterone driven character exemplifies the traits of extreme masculinity, such as a confrontational attitude and no reverence for anything. The diction used in this tirade and the way in which he is described creates a picture of a mad man, set on doing one thing and one thing only, so much so that he even offers up his Martha’s Vineyard plantation to the man whom can get him close to the whale. Melville presents this scene in the novel as a warning to the nation of the true nature of extreme masculinity and the need for a healthy balance of feminine and masculine traits in society.

The act of creation is often considered a feminine trait, while destruction is usually attributed to the masculine character. This first part of the scene portrays Queequeg carving masterfully into his coffin-turned-sea chest. This amazing work of art later becomes the buoy on which Ishmael survives, symbolizing that some level of femininism is necessary for the survival of a society (although only one survives). The latter portion displays the scene in the novel where Ishmael and Queequeg share a bed at the Spouter-Inn. A strong, mutual understanding between people is also a feminine quality, which is shared by both bedmates. Here is where Ishmael and Queequeg form an uncommon bond, through which they assist and respect each other throughout the entire novel, and live more successfully than the rest of the crew who are mostly left to their own devices. Melville urges the people of the United States to try and form more relationships such as this, presenting the characters’ general success as incentive against the harsh world of living inside oneself.

The last two scenes depict the final run of the Pequod and the crew against Moby Dick. The true nature of all the characters is brought out by this intense sequence of events, though Ahab’s actions are highlighted as being so single-minded, his own safety, as well as the safety of his shipmates, becomes irrelevant. All the way up until the final destruction of the Pequod and the death of all the crew (sparing Ishmael), the harpooners (led by Ahab) are intent on the demise of their nemesis, the great white whale at all costs. The scene culminates in the destruction of the Pequod and the survival of Ishmael on the coffin of Queequeg, with Melville using the aforementioned symbolism of Ishmael’s survival on the buoy of creationism. Also, the extravagant destruction of the ship and its final disappearance below the waves (and allusion to the mythical Charybdis, which Ulysses avoided) is Melville’s method of displaying his interpretation of the outcome of the nation if it stayed the course of very little feminine influence in the major decision making and directing of the United States.

[|Feminism in Moby Dick]