The Power of a Name
The action of naming an animal is interesting to consider within the context of Melville’s Moby Dick. In the chapter “The Affidavit”, we as readers are told that there are a number of infamous whales that are rewarded a form of “individual celebrity – nay, you may call it an ocean-wide renown” that is bestowed upon them by sailors in both life and death (171). But what, exactly, does this celebrity entail? To establish such specific endowments to the whale you must be able to identify him. In order to identify him, you must give him a name.
For Melville, it appears that a name functions as more than a mode of recognition, it functions as more than a simple word. A name holds power, meaning, and influence: “…but he was admitted into all the rights, privileges, and distinctions of a name; had as much a name indeed as Cambyses and Caesar” (171). The distinction of a powerful name like Moby Dick to Ahab’s accursed white whale elevates and separates him from his fellow ocean dwellers causing him to appear less animalistic. As a reader, I regard Moby Dick as a vital character of this story that, in his absence, is almost godlike compared to the rest of his slain species. The process of naming also evokes a sense of respect for the subject being identified. Though Ahab is vehemently searching for Moby Dick throughout the Pequod’s voyage, I believe he possesses some form of respect for the whale, some kind of esteem. To Ahab, Moby Dick is more than an unintelligent, common animal. He is his whole life’s purpose. He is his “wall” (140). I believe this understanding strongly influences our interpretation of Ahab’s character and the complex relationship he has with Moby Dick.
As you said, names do have power. The moment you name the animal you are hunting, then the relationship you have with the animal becomes much more explicit. This is not just some random whale they are hunting, this whale needs to be remembered, and if it weren’t for these unique names, Ahab wouldn’t be as strong a character and not have as strong of a backstory. But just starting the story with that legendary whale excites the whole crew and inspires the novel to move forward.