The Albino Whale

Gustavo Quintero
December 6, 2007
English 48A
Journal #27 Herman Melville


Quote:
"...the wretched infidel gazes himself blind at the monumental white shroud that wraps all the prospect around him. And of all these things the Albino whale was a symbol. Wonder ye then at the fiery hunt?"(Melville 2355).


Summary:
Ishmael is beginning to wonder just why they are hunting the great albino whale known as Moby Dick.


Response:
There seems to be lots of metaphors or hidden messages throughout Moby Dick. As it was discussed in class the albino whale represents a great evil. I thought this was an interesting point. In our culture the color white usually represents something that is holy or pure. Far from being evil. After a quick wikipedia search I found almost no references of white being an evil thing. Mostly white symbolizes, peaceful, pure things. The only negative associations that white has is with ghosts. Although some may argue that ghosts are not necessarily evil entities. I bring this up because I feel as if the notion that the white whale in Moby Dick is an interesting route that most people would not take.The one thing I can not seem to figure out is why the color white represents a great evil in Moby Dick. Maybe it is because of the size and magnitude of destruction that Moby Dick is capable of. This distruction is showcased when he completley destroys the ship killing everyone except Ishmael. The color white to me represents something positive or pure. Maybe Moby Dick is pure and innocent. He is pure and innocent because he is an animal. An animal being chased by a boatfull of liqour drinking,cussing sailors. Captain Ahab has got his own agenda with Moby Dick but maybe the rest of the crew should look inside themselves and wonder just what they are really chasing. A great evil or a great good.