In "Moby-Dick," what does Captain Ahab primarily seek?

In "Moby-Dick," Captain Ahab's primary motivation is his quest for revenge against the great white whale, Moby Dick. This obsession stems from a traumatic encounter where Moby Dick not only destroyed Ahab's ship but also bit off his leg at the knee. Ahab's desire for vengeance becomes all-consuming, symbolizing a deeper struggle against fate and the natural world. This relentless pursuit of the whale reflects themes of obsession, humanity's struggle against nature, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. Ahab's character represents a tragic figure who becomes so fixated on his goal that it ultimately leads to his downfall. The narrative explores the consequences of such single-minded obsession, making Ahab's vengeance against Moby Dick a central element of the story.