first impressions, wrong impressions

Ishmael begins on page 3 by introducing himself as a loner with "nothing particularly to interest me on shore".  However after reading the first section of the novel, it is evident that Ishmael has a need for companionship and camaraderie through his relationships with Queepeug and Ahab. His loner status results in a hesitation before befriending others, which is portrayed by his first impression of Q. and A. Upon Ismael's first encounter with Q. he says of him on p. 24, "It was now quite plain that he must be some abdominal savage or other in this christian country. I quaked to think of it. A peddler of heads too-perhaps the head of his own brother." It is evident from his reaction that Q. makes a negative first impression on Ishmael, who is quick to jump to conclusions. This also happened with A. Ishmael said on p 106 "...I often visited the craft, and as often I asked about Captain Ahab, and how he was.....I did but half fancy being committed this way to so long a voyage, without once laying me eyes on the man who was to be the absolute dictator of it, so soon as the ship sailed...." Through this passage, it is evident that Ishmael, not having met A. is unsure of his character. Ishmael's hastiness at forming first impressions of others is most likely due to his lack of attachments and friendships. However, throughout the reading, Ishmael finds himself wrong in his generalizations of those he encounter, becoming best friends with Q. and joining A's cause. After Ishmael sees Q. in church, he is more accepting of him and smokes with him to check him out. After their smoke, once Ishmael has had the opportunity to judge the character of Q, they become best friends. p. 57 "If there yet lurked any ice of indifference towards me in the pagan;s breast, this plesant, genial smoke we had, soon thawed it out, and left us cronies." Similarly, Ishmael after serving on the ship under Ahab, and becoming familiar with the captain, pledged his allegiance to getting vengeance against Mobey Dick. P. 194 "A wild, mythical, sympathetic feeling was in me. Ahab's quenchless feud seemed mine." Ishmael, driven by first impressions, realizes throughout the novel, that it is important to get to know someone before passing judgement.