In Moby-Dick, which character's name is taken from Jezebel's husband?

In Moby-Dick, which character's name is taken from Jezebel's husband?

• A. Ishmael
• B. Ahab
• C. Starbuck
• D. Queequeg

Answer: (B)

Names in literature often signal deeper traits. In this case, the captain’s name is taken from Jezebel’s husband in the Bible, Ahab. That biblical figure is a king whose story involves obstinacy, power, and a relentless pursuit of his goals, which Melville uses to hint at the captain’s monomaniacal chase after the white whale. The other crew names come from different origins— Ishmael is a biblical name but not Jezebel’s husband, while Starbuck and Queequeg reference other sources and ideas. So the best fit is the name that directly links to Jezebel’s husband.

Names in literature often signal deeper traits. In this case, the captain’s name is taken from Jezebel’s husband in the Bible, Ahab. That biblical figure is a king whose story involves obstinacy, power, and a relentless pursuit of his goals, which Melville uses to hint at the captain’s monomaniacal chase after the white whale. The other crew names come from different origins— Ishmael is a biblical name but not Jezebel’s husband, while Starbuck and Queequeg reference other sources and ideas. So the best fit is the name that directly links to Jezebel’s husband.