Secondary Characters in Moby Dick
Starbuck - The Voice of Reason
Starbuck, the first mate of the Pequod, serves as the moral compass and rational counterpoint to Ahab's obsessive quest. His character represents:
- Practical seamanship and professional duty
- Protestant ethics and religious morality
- The conflict between obedience and moral conscience
When Starbuck confronts Ahab about the foolishness of pursuing Moby Dick, we see his rational nature:
"I am game for his crooked jaw, and for the jaws of Death too, Captain Ahab, if it fairly comes in the way of the business we follow; but I came here to hunt whales, not my commander's vengeance."
Queequeg - The Noble Savage
Queequeg embodies the novel's themes of cultural diversity and spiritual wisdom. As a Pacific Islander prince turned harpooner, he represents:
- The intersection of "civilized" and "primitive" worlds
- True friendship and loyalty (especially with Ishmael)
- Religious syncretism and tolerance
Queequeg's character challenges 19th-century racial stereotypes through his nobility, skill, and wisdom, despite being portrayed as a "savage."
Flask and Stubb - The Supporting Officers
These two mates provide contrasting perspectives on the voyage:
Stubb
- Known for his perpetual good humor
- Represents a philosophical acceptance of life's dangers
- Often provides comic relief through his casual attitude toward death
Flask
- The youngest mate, nicknamed "King-Post"
- Represents pure aggression without deeper understanding
- Serves as a foil to both Starbuck's wisdom and Stubb's humor
