Not P but Moby-Dick (55)

[David Morris]

Convert here is deeper than just deciding to be a Christian.  “Change
course” would be the nautical equivalent.

The “course change” that “a better man” might   accept (in response to a
sign from the heavens) would be to STOP the pursuit of the whale.  Saint
Paul is brought up because his conversion on the road to Damascus is
probably the most famous and influential one in the history of
Christianity. You should read more about that conversion for the very
important message in this incident of a wind change

> From Chapter 70:
> >
> > “Sail ho!” cried a triumphant voice from the main-mast-head.
> >
> > “Aye? Well, now, that’s cheering,” cried Ahab, suddenly erecting
> himself, while whole thunder-clouds swept aside from his brow. “That lively
> cry upon this deadly calm might almost convert a better man.—Where away?”
> >
> > “Three points on the starboard bow, sir, and bringing down her breeze
> to  us!”
> >
> > “Better and better, man. Would now St. Paul would come along that way,
> and to my breezelessness bring his breeze! O Nature, and O soul of man! how
> far beyond all utterance are your linked analogies! not the smallest atom
> stirs or lives in matter, but has its cunning duplicate in mind.”
> >
> > First, does "convert" here refer to converting to Christianity?




>