Sunset — Moby-Dick

Alone in his cabin at sunset, Ahab speaks to himself while looking out the stern windows. No one else on the ship hears this speech.

He says he leaves a pale wake behind him wherever he sails. The beautiful sunset waves blush like wine, but he cannot enjoy them. He compares his burden to the Iron Crown of Lombardy. It looks bright with gems, but he feels only the split iron cutting into his brain.

He remembers a time when sunrise gave him energy and sunset brought peace. Now beauty only hurts him. He says he can see and understand too much, but he cannot enjoy ordinary pleasure. He calls himself damned even in paradise.

Then he turns from the window and talks about the crew. Winning them over was easier than he expected. His plan fit their minds like one wheel turning many others. But to set others on fire, he says, the match must burn itself up.

He knows Starbuck thinks he is mad. Ahab says he is madness made worse by madness, yet calm enough to understand itself.

He remembers the old prophecy that he would be dismembered. He lost his leg to Moby Dick. Now he vows to be both prophet and fulfiller by destroying the whale that maimed him.

He defies the gods and dares them to face him. He says his purpose runs on iron rails. His soul is grooved to follow that track with no turns and no stopping.