There is this Moby-Dick theory popping up now and then concerning the possibility of Ahab beating his wife and kid up.
Allow me a bit of Dick canon analysis.
It does seem the whole marriage and family thing was love based - especially if we dare to believe Captain Peleg fan boying in The Ship - but I am fully convinced that during his last shore stay he was difficult at best, abusive at worst (same chapter, same fan boy but in a less starry eyed state).
However, in making up theories, it is worth remembering that according to what Ahab eventually discloses to Starbuck, every day at least his son ventures up to his look out spot in hope of seeing the Pequod returning.
(My dream is to be recognized as a Moby-Dick knower, but I nurture a growing suspicion that I'm heading in the direction of notorious Ahab apologist. 😩)
