Chapter 111-114 of Moby Dick: Ahab's Obsession and Perth's Story

TLDRIn chapters 111-114 of Moby Dick, the Pequod enters the Pacific Ocean, where Captain Ahab's obsession with revenge grows. Perth, the blacksmith, is described as a patient old man with a troubled past. Ahab asks Perth to make a special harpoon using unique materials, and after its completion, he baptizes it in the blood of the harpooners. The crew contemplates the sea's beauty and its hidden dangers. Ahab's sole focus is now on hunting the white whale, Moby Dick.

Key insights

🌊Captain Ahab's thirst for vengeance against Moby Dick becomes all-consuming.

🔨Perth, the blacksmith, is a patient old man with a troubled past.

🌟The crew contemplates the beauty of the sea and their own reflections.

👹Ahab's obsession with revenge leads him to reject his humanity.

🐋The hunt for the white whale, Moby Dick, becomes the crew's sole focus.

Q&A

What is Captain Ahab's obsession in these chapters?

Captain Ahab's obsession in these chapters is seeking revenge against the white whale, Moby Dick.

Who is Perth and what is his background?

Perth is the blacksmith on the ship. He is described as a patient old man with a troubled past, having lost his wife, family, and home due to his drinking.

What special harpoon does Ahab ask Perth to make?

Ahab asks Perth to make a special harpoon using materials like nail stubs from horse shoes and Ahab's own razors.

What does Ahab do with the completed harpoon?

After the harpoon is completed, Ahab baptizes it in the blood of the three harpooners.

What becomes the crew's sole focus in these chapters?

The crew's sole focus in these chapters becomes hunting the white whale, Moby Dick.

Timestamped Summary

00:09Chapter 111: The Pequod enters the Pacific Ocean.

00:28Chapter 112: Introduction of Perth, the blacksmith with a troubled past.

00:47Chapter 113: Ahab requests a special harpoon from Perth.

01:18Chapter 114: The crew contemplates the beauty of the sea.

02:02Ahab finishes the harpoon and baptizes it in the blood of the harpooners.

02:26The crew reflects on their own thoughts and feelings.

02:42Ahab's obsession with revenge intensifies as his humanity fades away.

03:01The hunt for Moby Dick becomes the crew's sole focus.