This is called Ahab as a tragic hero. How Ahab is represented as a tragic hero throughout the novel and how he brings the story into its tragic conclusion.

Ahab, one of the key characters in the novel, can be viewed as the protagonist, one who causes the actions that occur and who brings the story to its tragic conclusion. He is seen as the tragic hero. He is a man distinguished by courage and ability, who is admired for his qualities and achievements. The antagonist to Ahab is Moby Dick, the white hale whom Ahab pursues, leading to the death of himself and …

…The pipe is a symbol of peace and tranquility. We can see ahab as a tormented man; he sufferes in physical and mental pain, and is obsessed by only one thing, vengeance against the whale. This does not allow his room in his heart for love and affection for others. The whale symbolizes a thing, he must destroy to regain what he has lost in his life, his freedom, and his mastery over his world.