The symbolism of Captain Ahab in Moby Dick

The Symbolism of Captain Ahab

The movie, Moby Dick, is directed by John Huston and based upon the novel of Herman Melville written in 1851. In the movie, Captain Ahab symbolizes a variety of different things. He symbolizes the determination of an old sea captain taking vengeance over the White Whale that dismembered him many years prior to his fate, leaving him with a wooden stick to walk upon instead of a human leg. This makes him a bitter man looking forward to nothing else except the death of his rival.

First of all he obviously symbolizes an old sea captain on a ship, giving orders to his crew. Telling them to sail, row or do minor routines on the ship. The vengeance of the whale overtakes him and he takes out his anger on his entire crew. He seeks nothing else except vengeance. Patience is also s...