Scene+Analysis

Scene Analysis:

In scene one, the social ladder is evident when Peleg and Bildad are discussing the pay for Ishmael and Queequeg. Sailors with more skill were paid more, but the owners were still trying to hiring them for as little as possible. This represents some of the conflicts that Herman Melville observed in the factories during the industrial revolution in America in the 1800’s, workers were underpaid for their hard and grueling work.
 * Scene One: Discussing the Pay**

The social separation between classes was evident on the Pequod as well as in America in the 1800’s. This could be seen during dinner on the Pequod, men of the same status dined together. First Captain Ahab and his three first mates ate, then after they were done, the harpooners were allowed to feast, while the common sailors ate whenever was left. This scenario was also present in the cities in America. The wealthy class dined on hearty meals, while the poor ate crumbs off the streets. The industrial revolution caused the formation of a rigid social ladder.
 * Scene Two: Dinner on the Pequod**

Scene three shows the evil side to industrialism, the mistreatment of the workers. During the industrial revolution in America in the 1800’s, not only the men were treated horribly, but women and children as well. This was also seen on the Pequod through Captain Ahab’s treatment of his crew. Both Ahab and the factory owners of America oppressed their workers to stop them from trying to rise up above their social status.
 * Scene Three: Poor Treatment of the Workers**

In scene four, the chase represents the final attempt of the wealthy class to save themselves from their destined fate, and the deaths of Captain Ahab and the crew show the final corruption of the system. A society cannot be oppressed for so long without someone trying to rise above their social status. Ishmael, the only survivor, represents the noble common man, who stood up for what he believed was right, that all people are equal.
 * Scene Four: The Corruption of the System**

[|Back to Home]