The quote depicts the Pequod, a whaling ship, as a dark and chaotic force, mirroring its captain's obsessive personality. The ship is described as being filled with "savages," symbolizing a wild and untamed nature, while the mention of fire and a burning corpse evokes images of destruction and death. This imagery suggests a deep connection between the ship and Captain Ahab's turbulent inner state.
The phrase "blackness of darkness" emphasizes the ominous and foreboding atmosphere surrounding the Pequod's journey. It highlights Ahab's descent into madness, illustrating how his monomania consumes both him and the vessel he commands, creating a powerful parallel between the external journey and his internal struggles. This underscores the darker themes of obsession and the consequences of pursuing vengeance at all costs.