The Limits of Knowledge
In the beginning of the
story Ishmael discovers that during the history of Moby Dick, he has taken numerous meanings. Ishmael makes use
of almost every method known to man to understand the nature of the whale. The many approaches that Ishmael
takes, with his need to maintain his authority, he encourages that human knowledge is always seldom and limited.
The Betrayal
of Fate
Ishmael’s narrative includes many references to fate,
along with foreshadowing events, creating the impression that the Pequod ’s doom is almost destined. Many of the
sailors believe in prophecies, and some even have the power to tell the future. The characters are dishonest with themselves
because they think some things that occur are the work of fate and that fate either doesn't’t exist. Ahab, for example,
manipulates his crew that the quest to search for Moby Dick is their fate and is bond to occur whether they chose to acknowledge
it or not
