As evening turns into night, various characters react to the events of the day. At sunset, Ahab, in his cabin, is pleased with the ease with which he swayed the crew and is outspoken in his determination. At dusk by the mainmast, Starbuck feels incapable of changing his captain’s plan and is resigned to his role. At the night’s first watch (8 p.m.) atop the foremast (nearest the front of the ship), Stubb’s reaction is to laugh at the absurdity of it all. At midnight, in the forecastle some of the crew and harpooners are still partying and drinking wine.
