Moby Dick: Synopsis

The novel tells the story of a mans quest and obsession to kill a giant
whale called Moby Dick. The story is told by Ishmael, a sailor on a whaling ship,
about Captain Ahab, who relentless pursues Moby Dick after the whale bit off
his leg during an unsuccessful whale hunt.

The story begins with the arrival of Ishmael in the whaling town of
Nantucket, looking for a job. He is put in a room with Queequeg, a harpooner,
and they soon become friends. They then join the crew of the Pequod, a whaling
ship captained by Ahab. Before leaving for their voyage, Ishmael and Queequeg
meet a stranger, Elijah who predicts disaster on their journey.

For weeks on the ship, the crew does not see Captain Ahab. He is included
in his own cabin. He finally appears three weeks after they have sailed, and tells
the crew to look for a white whale which he calls Moby Dick. He offers gold to
the first person who spots Moby Dick.

During their hunt and expedition across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pequod
comes upon several whales. They attack and kill the whales but not one is Moby
Dick. Finally in the Pacific Ocean, Captain Ahab himself spots Moby Dick. The
whaling boats row after it but Moby Dick attacks Ahabs boat and sinks it. Ahab
survives and despite this failed attempt, he continues to pursue the whale on
the next day.

Unfortunately, Captain Ahab and his crew are defeated again and this
time Moby Dick breaks Ahabs whalebone leg. Still, Ahab does not give up, and
pursues it for the third day. When Ahab and his crew face Moby Dick, a new
battle begins. Ahab stabs the whale with his harpoon but the whale rams into
Pequod and causes it to sink. Ahab throws his harpoon at Moby Dick only to find
it entangled in the line and goes down with it.

In the end, the entire crew of the Pequod is killed except for Ishmael
who is rescued. Ishmael survives to tell the story.