Original Story：
(Ahab moving to go on deck; Pip catches him hy the hand to follow.)
Lad, lad, I tell thee thou must not follow Ahab now. The hour is coming when Ahab would not scare thee from him, yet would not have thee by him. There is that in thee, poor lad, which I feel too curing to my malady. Like cures like; and for this hunt, my malady becomes my most desired health. Do thou abide below here, where they shall serve thee, as if thou wert the captain. Aye, lad, thou shalt sit here in my own screwed chair; another screw to it, thou must be.”
“No, no, no! ye have not a whole body, sir; do ye but use poor me for your one lost leg; only tread upon me, sir; I ask no more, so I remain a part of ye.”
“Oh! spite of million villains, this makes me a bigot in the fadeless fidelity of man!- and a black! and crazy!- but methinks like-cures-like applies to him too; he grows so sane again.”
“They tell me, sir, that Stubb did once desert poor little Pip, whose drowned bones now show white, for all the blackness of his living skin. But I will never desert ye, sir, as Stubb did him. Sir, I must go with ye.”
“If thou speakest thus to me much more, Ahab’s purpose keels up in him. I tell thee no; it cannot be.”
“Oh good master, master, master!
“Weep so, and I will murder thee! have a care, for Ahab too is mad. Listen, and thou wilt often hear my ivory foot upon the deck, and still know that I am there. And now I quit thee. Thy hand!- Met! True art thou, lad, as the circumference to its centre. So: God for ever bless thee; and if it come to that,- God for ever save thee, let what will befall.”
(Ahab goes; Pip steps one step forward.)
“Here he this instant stood, I stand in his air,- but I’m alone. Now were even poor Pip here I could endure it, but he’s missing. Pip! Pip! Ding, dong, ding! Who’s seen Pip? He must be up here; let’s try the door. What? neither lock, nor bolt, nor bar; and yet there’s no opening it. It must be the spell; he told me to stay here: Aye, and told me this screwed chair was mine. Here, then, I’ll seat me, against the transom, in the ship’s full middle, all her keel and her three masts before me. Here, our old sailors say, in their black seventy-fours great admirals sometimes sit at table, and lord it over rows of captains and lieutenants. Ha! what’s this? epaulets! epaulets! the epaulets all come crowding. Pass round the decanters; glad to see ye; fill up, monsieurs! What an odd feeling, now, when a black boy’s host to white men with gold lace upon their coats!- Monsieurs, have ye seen one Pip?- a little negro lad, five feet high, hang-dog look, and cowardly! Jumped from a whale-boat once;- seen him? No! Well then, fill up again, captains, and let’s drink shame upon all cowards! I name no names. Shame upon them! Put one foot upon the table. Shame upon all cowards.- Hist! above there, I hear ivory- Oh, master! master! I am indeed down-hearted when you walk over me. But there I’ll stay, though this stern strikes rocks; and they bulge through; and oysters come to join me.”
Expansion and Analysis
Summary and Interpretation
This passage is a poignant scene from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, focusing on the relationship between Captain Ahab and Pip, a young black cabin boy. Ahab, obsessed with his quest for the white whale, warns Pip not to follow him on deck, fearing that his own madness might harm the boy. Despite this, Pip insists on staying close to Ahab, showing loyalty and courage even in the face of danger. Ahab acknowledges Pip’s presence as a strange but healing influence on his own troubled mind, suggesting a mystical connection between them.
The scene captures themes of loyalty, madness, isolation, and human connection. Pip’s innocence contrasts with Ahab’s obsession, and his presence both grounds and unsettles the captain. The imagery of Pip sitting in Ahab’s chair and imagining himself hosting white officers highlights issues of race and belonging aboard the ship.
Background and Author Introduction
Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American novelist and sailor best known for Moby-Dick (1851). This novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature and explores complex themes such as obsession, fate, and the struggle between man and nature. Melville’s own experiences at sea deeply influenced his writing, lending authenticity and vivid detail to his stories.
Pip is a minor but symbolically important character in Moby-Dick. His story reflects the racial tensions and social hierarchies of the 19th century, as well as the emotional costs of Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the whale.
Educational Value and Lessons for Children and Students
From this story, children and students can learn:
- Empathy and Loyalty: Pip’s loyalty to Ahab, despite fear and hardship, teaches the value of standing by others.
- Courage: Pip’s bravery in following Ahab even when warned not to shows personal courage.
- Understanding Madness: The story introduces the idea that people’s struggles with mental health can affect those around them.
- Social Awareness: The racial dynamics aboard the ship encourage discussions about equality, prejudice, and respect.
- Symbolism and Imagery: Students can explore literary devices such as symbolism (Pip’s chair, ivory foot) and metaphor (like cures like).
Practical Applications and Insights
- In Life: The story encourages children to support friends and family even when times are tough, highlighting the importance of compassion.
- In Learning: It can be used to teach narrative analysis, character study, and historical context.
- In Social Settings: The racial and social themes can foster discussions about diversity, inclusion, and justice.
- Critical Thinking: Students can debate Ahab’s obsession and its consequences, reflecting on how single-minded goals affect relationships.
Key Vocabulary
- Malady: A disease or ailment.
- Bigot: A person intolerant toward those holding different opinions.
- Epaulets: Ornamental shoulder pieces on military uniforms.
- Keel: The main structural element of a ship.
- Transom: The flat surface forming the stern of a boat.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- Why does Ahab tell Pip not to follow him on deck?
- How does Pip show his loyalty to Ahab?
- What does Ahab mean when he says "like cures like"?
- Describe the significance of Pip sitting in Ahab’s chair.
- What social issues does this passage hint at?
- How does the imagery of the epaulets and captains affect the mood of the scene?
- What emotions does Pip express when he calls out for himself?
- How does this scene contribute to the overall themes of Moby-Dick?
Answers
- Ahab fears that his madness might scare or harm Pip, so he tells him to stay below deck.
- Pip insists on going with Ahab and refuses to desert him, showing strong loyalty.
- Ahab suggests that Pip’s presence helps cure his own madness because they share a similar suffering.
- Sitting in Ahab’s chair symbolizes Pip’s temporary assumption of authority and his desire to belong.
- The passage hints at racial prejudice and social hierarchy aboard the ship.
- The epaulets and captains create a surreal, almost ghostly atmosphere, emphasizing Pip’s isolation and imagination.
- Pip feels lonely and abandoned, calling out desperately for himself and others.
- It highlights themes of madness, loyalty, race, and isolation central to the novel.
This passage from Moby-Dick offers rich material for literary study and personal reflection, making it a valuable resource for students learning about classic literature, human nature, and social issues.
