Surmises — Moby-Dick

Ahab burns to catch Moby Dick. But Melville steps into his mind and shows he cannot ignore the Pequod's normal whaling business.

Ahab is still a whaleman by habit. He also needs practical reasons to keep the voyage going while he waits for the white whale.

To succeed, Ahab must use his crew as tools. Men, he says, are the tools most likely to break down. Starbuck obeys in body, but in soul he hates the quest and would quit if he could.

Ahab knows there may be long gaps before Moby Dick appears. During those gaps, sailors cannot think about one distant revenge all night. He must give them nearer daily work and keep the full terror in the background.

He also knows sailors need money, not only drama. Even crusaders wanted loot on the road to Jerusalem. If months pass with no cash in sight, the crew may turn on him.

By revealing his secret purpose, Ahab opened himself to charges of abusing his command. His crew could refuse him if they chose. So he must stay sharp, watch every mood on board, and keep control through brain, heart, and hand.

For all these reasons he keeps up ordinary whaling. He hails the mast-heads and tells lookouts to report even a porpoise. That watchfulness soon pays off.