Chapter 129
The Cabin
The Cabin. (Ahab moving to go on deck; Pip catches him by the hand to follow.) “Lad, lad, I tell thee thou must not follow Ahab now. The hour is coming when Ahab would not scare thee from him, yet would not have thee by him. There is that in thee, poor lad, which I feel too curing to my malady. Like cures like; and for this hunt, my malady becomes my most desired health. Do thou abide below here, where they shall serve thee, as if thou wert the captain. Aye, lad, thou shalt sit here in my own…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Chair Without Captain
When did you give someone your seat and leave them alone in the center?
Consider:
- •Sickness as tool?
- •Stubb memory?
- •Ivory foot?
Journaling Prompt
Write about visiting the person you told to stay below.
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