Moby Dick

Ahab continues his pacing on the deck when he passes and observes the doubloon hammered to the mainmast, the reward for the first person to sight Moby Dick. It is a fine example of Ecuadorian mintage, and features a landscape with three Andes mountain peaks, each crowned by a rooster, a flame, and a tower. Surrounding this image are the twelve representative symbols of the zodiac with the sun setting at Libra.

Looking closely at the doubloon, Ahab focuses on the peaks, seeing in each a representation of himself. He interprets the rest of the coin as a sort of “frame” in which the peaks are trapped. He leaves the mainmast in a gloomy mood.

Starbuck, watching Ahab, inspects the doubloon after Ahab leaves. He sees in the peaks and the gloom from which they ascend, “the holy trinity” framed not by a cage, but by God’s loving protection (472).

Stubb, watching Starbuck, then takes his turn at the doubloon. Not prone to signs and interpretations, he consults a book and identifies each sign of the zodiac, telling an interrelated tale about each and concluding that life is a cycle with many ups and downs, one which it’s best to confront with good cheer.