In Moby-Dick, what does the gold coin symbolize for the crew?
A. Ahab's fortune from his business
B. their reward for finding the whale
C. the Pequod's profits from whaling
D. Ahab's wish to seem better than them
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby_Dick_Coin
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To understand what the gold coin symbolizes for the crew in Moby-Dick, we need to analyze the context of the novel. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville tells the story of Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit of a giant white whale, symbolizing man's struggle against nature, fate, and obsession. Throughout the novel, there are various symbols that represent different aspects of the characters' motivations and desires.
In this particular case, the gold coin symbolizes D) Ahab's wish to seem better than the crew. Ahab's quest for the white whale is driven by his monomaniacal desire for revenge, as the whale had previously injured him, taking his leg. Ahab's obsession with the whale and his desire to destroy it stems from his personal vendetta against it.
The gold coin becomes a symbol of Ahab's power and authority over the crew. It is used as a tool to manipulate and control their loyalty, as Ahab promises the coin to whoever spots the whale first. The crew, lured by the prospect of financial reward, eagerly searches for the whale, becoming complicit in Ahab's dangerous and obsessive quest.
To arrive at this answer, you could have also considered the other options and eliminated them based on the information provided in the novel. For example:
- Option A: Ahab's fortune from his business: This answer is incorrect because there is no mention of Ahab's personal fortune being involved in the story. The crew's motivations are primarily driven by their interactions with Ahab.
- Option B: Their reward for finding the whale: This answer is not entirely accurate. While Ahab does promise a reward, it is not limited to finding the whale but rather to those who spot it first. The gold coin itself represents more than just a simple reward.
- Option C: The Pequod's profits from whaling: This answer is incorrect because the gold coin is not specifically linked to the profits the ship derives from whaling activities. Instead, it symbolizes Ahab's desire for superiority and control over the crew.
In conclusion, the gold coin in Moby-Dick symbolizes Ahab's wish to seem better than the crew, used as a means to manipulate their loyalty and participation in his obsessive quest for revenge against the white whale.