Katherine B. answered • 04/04/21
Flexible Tutor in a Wide Range of Subjects
There are several indications in this chapter that Ahab senses his approaching death. The first is when Ahab says goodbye to the ship, and thanks his first mate for his service, saying that some “ships never return to their harbors.” This is Ahab alluding that he thinks he might not return.
The next instance occurs when Ahab sees Fedallah's body trapped against the White Whale, due to being caught in one of the harpoon lines and drowned. Ahab realizes that this is the "hearse not made by human hands" from Fedallah's prophecy, and wonders what the second will be.
The last instance is when Ahab realizes that the Pequod itself is the "second hearse" from Fedallah's prophecy. Made of American wood, it becomes the hearse of the sailors who go down with the ship.
