Ahab's Appearance

Andy asked what else we may discern about Ahab's character based upon his appearance. I think that Melville gave us a lot to think about concerning Ahab, and there is much to interpret for our understanding of the character. The description of Ahab's body as being crafted from solid bronze is meant, I believe, to convey a sense of his toughness as well as the ancient respect afforded to a classical character such as a Perseus which Melville suggests. Also, the description of Ahab as a man cut away from the stake, which the fire has wasted the limbs of without reducing any of their robustness, seems to indicate that this is a man who has suffered much and weathered a great deal, but who has survived and is stronger for it.