How does the character of Father Mapple contribute to the
themes of "Moby Dick"?
Father Mapple is a character who appears briefly but significantly in the novel
“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. He is the preacher who gives a sermon in
the Whaleman’s Chapel in New Bedford, which Ishmael attends before
embarking on the Pequod. Father Mapple’s personality, experiences, and
words carry a deeper meaning and touch various themes in the novel.
One significant theme that Father Mapple addresses in his sermon is the
theme of fate. He describes how Jonah was destined to be swallowed by a
whale and how it was God’s will that it happened. Similarly, Ahab becomes
obsessed with the idea of fate and destiny, and his search for the white whale
becomes a manifestation of that. Father Mapple also alludes to the idea of
redemption, which echoes through the characters of Ishmael, Queequeg, and
even Ahab, who searches for redemption through his pursuit of the whale.
Father Mapple’s experiences as a whaler also contribute to the overall themes
of the novel. He talks about the dangers of whaling and the sacrifices that the
job requires, foreshadowing the events that will take place on the Pequod.
Moreover, his character represents the duality of man's nature, as he is both a
man of God and a former whaler who understands the harsh realities of life at
sea.
In conclusion, Father Mapple's character and sermon touch on many of the
themes that run throughout “Moby Dick.” His presence in the novel is brief but
significant, leaving a lasting impact on both Ishmael and the reader.
References:
- Melville, Herman. 1851. Moby-Dick. Harper & Brothers.