3.Ishmael is the person who narrates the story of Moby-Dick. Why did he decide to go whaling? Listen and read
to find out

Ishmael, the protagonist of the novel Moby-Dick, is the person who narrates the story. Let's explore why he decided to go whaling!

In the beginning of the novel, Ishmael describes himself as someone who is feeling down and restless. He decides to cure his feeling of despair by going on a whaling voyage.

1. To understand Ishmael's decision better, we need to know what a whaling voyage involves. A whaling voyage is a journey taken by a crew of sailors to hunt and capture whales. In the 19th century, whaling was an adventurous and financially rewarding activity. The sailors would go out to sea for months or even years, facing numerous dangers and challenges.

2. Ishmael thinks that going whaling will provide him with a purpose in life and a sense of adventure. He believes that being out at sea and hunting whales will bring him excitement and help him escape his feelings of melancholy.

3. Another reason why Ishmael chooses to go whaling is that he is seeking a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. He is in search of companionship and wants to experience the close bond that can develop among the crew members during a long and arduous journey.

4. Ishmael also mentions the allure of the unknown. He is drawn to the mysteries of the sea and wants to explore new territories. He sees the whaling voyage as an opportunity to discover new places and cultures.

5. Furthermore, Ishmael may be motivated by the prospect of financial gain. Whaling was a lucrative industry at the time, with the sale of whale oil, whalebone, and other products being highly profitable. Ishmael might hope to earn a substantial income by participating in successful whale hunts.

In summary, Ishmael decides to go whaling for several reasons: to find purpose and adventure in his life, to experience camaraderie and a sense of belonging, to explore the mysteries of the sea, and potentially for financial gain. Going on a whaling voyage seems to offer him an escape from his current state of despair and a chance for a new and meaningful chapter in his life.