Moby Dick

Common .
             Among many character descriptions of Ahab, is his depiction as "an ungodly, god-like .
             man". This testimony of Ahab's religious persona perfectly illustrates the "twisted" thread .
             linking Ahab and religion. .
             .
             " The gallows, ye mean, - I am immortal then, on land and on sea, immortal on land and on sea." (Melville p.455) .
             He truly believes that he possesses a supremacy, so intense, that he is invincible, .
             "immortal". Ahab's obsession's and faults are rooted in his unwillingness to accept his .
             own humanity, and deny his false divinity. .
             The universal theme between Ishmael, Queequeg, and Ahab, regarding life, is an .
             everlasting need for companionship and camaraderie. The relationship between Ishmael .
             and Queequeg is a constant reminder of this everlasting theme. Both Ishmael and .
             Queequeg are open to the optimistic potential of diversity, this characteristic allows them .
             to form a bond true to the purity of camaraderie. Due to their differing cultures and .
             constant appreciation for variety Queequeg Ishmael become one through their desire .
             for companionship. Their dependence for one another is demonstrated through the poetic .
             words of Ishmael's he is bound to Queequeg by a monkey rope, relying upon him for .
             survival .
             " It must be said that the monkey -rope was fast at both end; fast to Queequeg's broad canvas belt, and fast to my narrow leather one. So that for better or worse, we two, .
             for the time were wedded: and should poor Queequeg sink to rise no more, then both usage and honor demanded, that instead of cutting the cord, it should drag me down in his wake. So then, an elongated Siamese ligature united us. Queequeg was my own inseparable twin brother; nor could I any way get rid of the dangerous liabilities which the hempen bond entailed." (Melville, p.298) .
             Through out the novel, Ahab creates a precedent for casting off all companionship .
             and camaraderie. He ultimately expels the one person, Pip, who begins to get close to him.