It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

What have been some of the best things about reading this novel? The worst? Which outweighs the other?

Call me...Curious

Does Ishmael seem to share, reject, or sympathize with Ahab's quest for Moby Dick?

Is this a book about whaling, or is it something else?

You gotta problem with me?

What do you consider the biggest conflict of the novel--man vs. nature, man, self, or fate?

A hero ain't nothin' but a sandwich...

Who is supposed to be the protagonist of this book??

Are you a believer?

Critics contend that this novel is full of ambiguity, even regarding Melville's views on Christianity. Is he a believer or a skeptic?

Get on the Crazy Train

Throughout the novel, it seems like the crazy people are always in control. This is especially true in the case of Gabriel and Ahab. Both of these two seem to wield a sort of demagogic influence over the hands on their respective ships. While they both preach a different sermon, their appeal stretches to nearly all but the rational thinkers such as Starbuck. All too often the crazy receive power, even the power of an entire nation (Stalin, amedemajad, and Hitler). Have you ever been influenced by a person who you know sounds crazy, but still you listen? Or have you ever been in a similar situation as the Starbuck who resisted crazy charismatic appeals?
-FatrickD