Abstract:  Ahab, the protagonist of Melville’s Moby Dick, is an experienced captain. After one of his legs was bitten by Moby Dick, he is determined to kill the whale. In pursuit of Moby Dick, such positive qualities as his forging ahead and taking adventure are reflected. However, his acting arbitrarily is somewhat risky and even drives himself and his crew to ruin. This paper aims to probe into Ahab’s dual character — justice and evilness, through the analysis of his deeds and attitudes towards the pursuit of Moby Dick. Part one analyzes Ahab’s justice, which is reflected in his fighting against Moby Dick to protect others from danger and to arouse people from cowardice. Part two mainly analyzes Ahab’s evilness, which is reflected in his concentration on taking revenge on Moby Dick and his indifference towards his family and mariners. Part three analyzes the causes of his character from the perspectives of his arbitrary ideas, his sailing experiences and the social environment.

Keywords: Ahab; justice; evilness; causes

CONTENTS 

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction 1

2. Justice in Captain Ahab2

   2.1 Fighting with Moby Dick

2.2 Protecting Others from Danger

2.3Awakening People from Cowardice

3. Evil in Captain Ahab  3

3.1 Demanding Mariners’ Absolute Obedience

3.2 His Indifference to His Family

3.3 Neglecting Others’ Lives

3.4 His Hatred for Moby Dick

4. Causes That Shapes His Character...5

   4.1 His Arbitrary Ideas

   4.2 His Sailing Experience

   4.3The Social Environment

5. Conclusion6

Bibliography.7

Acknowledgment .....8