# The Ramadan explained — Moby-Dick

> Chapter companion for Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.

## What happens

Ishmael respects Queequeg's observance of Ramadan, a day-long fast, and does not disturb him until evening. Finding the door locked and receiving no answer, Ishmael grows alarmed and, with the landlady Mrs. Hussey, fears Queequeg may have harmed himself. They break in to find Queequeg sitting motionless in meditation. Ishmael spends an uncomfortable night, and in the morning, Queequeg ends his fast cheerfully. Ishmael attempts to lecture him on the folly of such religious austerities, but Queequeg remains unpersuaded, viewing Ishmael as the one lost to true piety. They then share a large breakfast and set out for the Pequod.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Spirituality

Central theme. Contrasts Ishmael's theoretical tolerance and later proselytizing with Queequeg's sincere, embodied faith. Explores the comedy and tension between different belief systems.

### Race and Cultural Difference

Manifests through the clash and attempted reconciliation of Western Christian and Indigenous Polynesian religious practices and worldviews.

### Friendship and Human Bonding

Tested and deepened as Ishmael's concern for Queequeg's well-being overrides his intellectual disagreement with his practices.

## Character check-ins

### Ishmael

Narrator who observes and respects Queequeg's ritual, though he later tries to argue against its perceived absurdity. His alarm leads to the comic scene of breaking down the door.

### Queequeg

Observes his Ramadan fast and meditation with solemn devotion, remaining unmoved by Ishmael's arguments. His perspective reveals a confident, unshakable faith.

### Mrs. Hussey

The landlady who reacts with comic pragmatism to the crisis, worrying about her property and counterpanes.

### Yojo

Mentioned as the focus of Queequeg's 'absurd notions' and religious observance during the Ramadan.

## Key lines

> I cherish the greatest respect towards everybody’s religious obligations, never mind how comical...

I deeply respect all religious practices, however strange they may seem.

_Establishes Ishmael's initial stance of tolerance._

> we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.

All people, regardless of faith, are a little crazy and in need of correction.

_Highlights a universal human fallibility regarding belief._

> hell is an idea first born on an undigested apple-dumpling; and since then perpetuated through the hereditary dyspepsias nurtured by Ramadans.

Gloomy religious ideas are caused by physical discomfort from fasting and poor digestion.

_Ishmael's humorous, materialist argument against asceticism._

> He looked at me with a sort of condescending concern and compassion...

He pitied me for being so spiritually lost from his point of view.

_Reverses the expected dynamic, showing Queequeg's confident faith._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moby_dick_se/chapters/xvii-the-ramadan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moby_dick_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moby_dick_se/chapters