Tolerance

Race and religion seem to be pivotal factors of character in the short section of Moby Dick that we have covered thus far.  This topic is initially introduced through Queequeg, but appears over and over as the novel continues.  At the onset of the relationship between Queequeg and Ishamel, the narrator is very suspect of the cannibal, but the two quickly  become inseparable friends.  Ishmael seems to be unique from other characters of the novel in an important respect: he is tolerant.  This is characterized by a quote from Ishamel that is given upon his initial viewing of Queequeg, "And what is it, thought I, after all! It's only his outside; a man can be honest in any sort of skin." (23).  Ishamel's lack of prejudice is continued, this time through religious practices, when he agrees to worship Queequeg's idol out of respect for the Golden Rule, as he would hope the "savage" would engage in Christian worship with him as well.  In contrast to Ishmael, many of the other characters in the novel are very prejudiced and quick to judge Queequeg.  As noted by Ishmael, the two can hardly walk through town without gathering a large crowd that is full of bewilderment at a white man being friends with a Pagan savage.  This notion of Queequeg being less of a human is shared even by supposedly intelligent characters, as seen through Bildad and Peleg being quite suspect about Queequeg joining the Pequod; that is, until they see his skill with the harpoon. 

The prejudice seen in this novel, I think, is a comment on the times during which the book was written.  Each character is so quick to judge Queequeg as inferior because of his complexion and religion, when in fact Queequeg is easily one of the more tolerant and talented character that Melville introduces.  Furthermore, those who accept him for who he is, specifically Ishmael, are greatly rewarded throughout the novel by the good deeds that Queequeg does for them (Example: Queequeg giving Ishmael half of his belongings, specifically his money, that allowed for Ishmael to pay his rent at the inn).