Question

What does Ahab’s peg leg symbolize?


A.
the psychological death of Ahab


B.
Ahab’s struggle for the truth


C.
the perseverance of Ahab


D.
the cruel injustice of fate

Answer 1

Ahab's peg leg in Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" primarily symbolizes **D. the cruel injustice of fate**. It represents the physical loss that Ahab has suffered due to his obsession with the white whale, Moby Dick, and serves as a reminder of the relentless and often cruel nature of fate that has intertwined with his quest for vengeance. Ahab’s injury and the peg leg embody the broader themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the consequences of his obsessive pursuit.