The Counterpane
The Counterpane: An Objective Perspective on the Relationship Between Ishmael and Queequeg
In this essay I will be discussing the queer (peculiar) relationship of two characters from the novel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville. The two characters of focus are Ishmael, the main protagonist, and Queequeg, a harpooner that Ishmael encounters. I will examine the growth of their relationship since their meeting and study their interactions with one another as the story progresses. I will interpret the significance of their behavior using examples of imagery and tone used in the novel.
In Moby Dick, by Herman Melville, Ishmael and Queequeg form a strong bond that develops over the course of their adventure. Their relationship is more intense than the average friendship between men. Quotes such as “hearts’ honeymoon” and “cozy, loving pair” suggest a sense of matrimony between them. Ishmael is shown to care for Queequeg a great deal. He became fearful for Queequeg’s well-being – “Get the axe! For God’s sake, run for the doctor, some one, while I pry it open!” It is also apparent that Ishmael greatly admires Queequeg. He seems to be very interested in his muscular physique, “reveling his brawny shoulder”. I believe that by analyzing the imagery and tone of the novel, their relationship can be depicted as more than a common friendship.
Ishmael and Queequeg’s relationship is more affectionate and emotional than a common male friendship, this can be seen through specific uses of imagery. At first Ishmael was hesitant to share a bed with the mysterious harpooner, but after much explanation Ishmael found that Queequeg was actually polite and kind man. There is then much less tension as they shared a bed. Ishmael describes how Queequeg’s arm was thrown over him in “the most loving and affectionate manner” and how he could have been mistaken for his wife. “Thus, then, in our hearts’ honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg, a cozy, loving pair.” This imagery gives the
In this essay I will be discussing the queer (peculiar) relationship of two characters from the novel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville. The two characters of focus are Ishmael, the main protagonist, and Queequeg, a harpooner that Ishmael encounters. I will examine the growth of their relationship since their meeting and study their interactions with one another as the story progresses. I will interpret the significance of their behavior using examples of imagery and tone used in the novel.
In Moby Dick, by Herman Melville, Ishmael and Queequeg form a strong bond that develops over the course of their adventure. Their relationship is more intense than the average friendship between men. Quotes such as “hearts’ honeymoon” and “cozy, loving pair” suggest a sense of matrimony between them. Ishmael is shown to care for Queequeg a great deal. He became fearful for Queequeg’s well-being – “Get the axe! For God’s sake, run for the doctor, some one, while I pry it open!” It is also apparent that Ishmael greatly admires Queequeg. He seems to be very interested in his muscular physique, “reveling his brawny shoulder”. I believe that by analyzing the imagery and tone of the novel, their relationship can be depicted as more than a common friendship.
Ishmael and Queequeg’s relationship is more affectionate and emotional than a common male friendship, this can be seen through specific uses of imagery. At first Ishmael was hesitant to share a bed with the mysterious harpooner, but after much explanation Ishmael found that Queequeg was actually polite and kind man. There is then much less tension as they shared a bed. Ishmael describes how Queequeg’s arm was thrown over him in “the most loving and affectionate manner” and how he could have been mistaken for his wife. “Thus, then, in our hearts’ honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg, a cozy, loving pair.” This imagery gives the