Personal Development: Cultivating Companionship In Herman Melville's novel, Moby Dick, Ishmael, the protagonist, goes through a series of stages in the development of his personal qualities. As Ishmael ventures out of his comfort zone and experiences life-changing moments alongside his new acquaintance, Queequeg, Ishmael's character is cultivated from an unaware and ignorant person to a much more refined and aware individual. Although Ishmael did not entirely seek refuge or camaraderie with other parties, Ishmael's interaction with new people developed the theme of companionship as salvation from his oblivious and judgmental nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ishmael's original and oblivious nature after meeting Queequeg highlights the beginning of the development of the theme of companionship as salvation. After meeting Queequeg for the first time, Ishmael criticizes Queequeg's appearance and behavior, which he continues to do until they become familiar with each other. Ishmael states that "[Queequeg] was civilized enough to display his extravagance in the strangest ways possible" (70). Ishmael's statement clearly reveals how critical he already is at the beginning of the novel, refusing the show any kind of acceptance of Queequeg's personality. Ishmael then goes on to say, “if he hadn't been a little civilized, he probably wouldn't have cared about the boots at all” (70). As shown in his descriptions of Queequeg, Ishmael does not convey a welcoming or friendly nature towards Queequeg. He is quick to distinguish Queequeg as a “savage,” essentially giving him the hostile nickname. Considering that the novel is set in the mid-1800s, the word “savage” would denote a much harsher connotation. Ishmael basically believes he is supreme to Queequeg, which conveys Ishmael's oblivious nature in the fact that he knows nothing about Queequeg. As the story progresses, Ishmael's arrogant nature is cultivated through his continued interaction with Queequeg, furthering the theme of companionship as salvation. Once Queequeg begins to open up his life story and Ishmael becomes accustomed to Queequeg's daily habits, Ishmael begins to understand and accept Queequeg for himself. For example, when Queequeg attends his own religious activity and invites Ishmael, Ishmael "thought he seemed anxious for [him] to join," but had "deliberated for a moment whether, in case he invited him" (113). It can be seen that Ishmael is initially relatively reluctant to join Queequeg, however Ishmael then continues his statement by saying, "I would either comply or not", revealing that he at least considers the option. In fact, Ishmael does not make any critical comments about Queequeg's religious beliefs, instead Ishmael grows from that experience and eventually calls himself and Queequeg a "welcoming and loving couple", showing that the companionship is beginning to free Ishmael from the attitude unaware and ignorant. he had done it in the beginning. Looking deeper into the novel, Ishmael matured much more in his behavior, further exposing companionship as salvation as a motif in the novel. After meeting Captain Ahab, Queequeg's courage and quick actions in the difficult situation allow Ishmael to finally see the good in him. Ishmael states that “all hands voted Queequeg a noble triumph…from that time I approached Queequeg like a barnacle,” to show his newfound admiration for Queequeg (130). This development makes it clear how much Ishmael has truly matured. He accepts Queequeg, and even seems not to judge but rather to have eyes.