I miss the spooning, because now the book is gettin’ deep.

Religion is important to most cultures. I can’t think of many groups that don’t have a religion or general belief system. In chapter 17, Queequeg celebrates his Ramdam. Actually, celebrate isn’t the right word. More like remains completely idle and unresponsive.

This response to a religious day inspired Ishmael to say something actually intelligent. Up until this point I didn’t see Ishmael as mildly bright. He said in chapter 17 after interrupting Queequeg’s religious experience, “… I have no objection to any person’s religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does not kill or insult any other person, because that other person don’t believe it also” (81). Despite this principle, Ishmael opted to talk to Queequeg about his absurd religion.

It didn’t go well, because Queequeg didn’t respond to Ishmael. He just looked at him with “condescending concern” (82). His pity demonstrated the extent to which he believed in his pagan religion.

Queequeg wouldn’t listen or acknowledge Ishmael’s suggestions. As opposed to considering Ishmael’s point about the brutality of his religion, Queequeg remained unmoved and noticeably content with his beliefs. To hold your beliefs as important regardless of your friends’ disposition to them, expresses the strength of those beliefs. This taught me that Queequeg is not only a religious man, but a man with strong convictions.