In Harold Bloom's "The Western Canon," he explores the deep sense of tragedy present in "Don Quixote" and how it parallels the faith portrayed in "Moby Dick." Both characters, Ahab and Quixote, are depicted as single-minded individuals obsessed with their ideals. They embody a relentless pursuit of justice that is rooted in human experience rather than divine intention.

Despite their differing temperaments—Ahab being a brooding figure and Quixote a more compassionate character—they share a commonality as tormented idealists. Their struggles reflect a longing for meaning and righteousness in a world that often feels devoid of both, illustrating their complex nature as ungodly yet godlike figures striving for something greater.