Abstract:  Moby Dick is one of the most famous novels written by Herman Melville. Captain Ahab, who is a character with many faces, is the main character of this great novel. This thesis aims to analyze the causes of Captain Ahab’s tragic fate in Moby Dick. The thesis analyzes the causes from the internal and external sides respectively and draws a conclusion: Ahab’s tragic fate is caused by his heroism, excessive self-reliance, isolation and his family background and social background.

Key words: Moby Dick; Captain Ahab; Tragic fate; Causes

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to Moby Dick-1

2.Literature Review-2

3. Internal Causes of Captain Ahab’s Tragic Fate in Moby Dick-3

3.1 Captain Ahab’s Heroism-3

3.2 Captain Ahab’s Excessive Self-reliance-4

3.3 Captain Ahab’s Isolation-5

4. External Causes of Captain Ahab’s Tragic Fate in Moby Dick-7

4.1 Family Background-7

4.2 Social Background-8

5. Conclusion-9

Bibliography-10

Acknowledgements-11