In these chapters, Melville continues to present dramatic scenes, using brief stage directions, soliloquy, and dialogue. There is no narration from Ishmael. In addition to progressing the plot, Melville is able to offer the reader character insights through the thoughts and speech of Ahab, Starbuck, Stubb, and assorted crewmen.
Through his cabin windows at the back of the ship, Ahab can see the "white and turbid wake" of the ship's passing and thinks of it as his own momentous impress on the world. His vanity includes an apparent pride in being what he calls "demoniac"; as he says, he is "madness maddened!" He mocks the gods and is determined to be both the prophet of his revenge and its executioner.
Starbuck's response contrasts with most of the crew's in a revealing way. The first mate recognizes that he is no match for his captain and is resigned to Ahab's "Heaven-insulting purpose"; yet he fears the ominous future. Stubb typically tries to laugh at the "predestinated" situation and sings a drinking song. Most of the rest of the crew, representing various parts of the world, are content to party past midnight; they seem oblivious to their journey into doom. An exception is young Pip, the cabin servant who finds terror where the rest see cause for "jollies." We will learn more about his insights in Chapter 93.
