Arguments for the Crew Willing to Help:
* Loyalty and Fear: The crew is obligated to follow their captain's orders, and fear of Ahab's wrath and potential punishment for disobedience is a strong motivator.
* Shared Desire for Revenge: Ahab's obsession with Moby Dick is fueled by his desire for revenge after losing his leg to the whale. Some crew members might share this desire for vengeance.
* Financial Gain: The Pequod is a whaling ship, and the crew is promised a share of the profits from the hunt.
* Adventure and the Unknown: Hunting a legendary and dangerous creature like Moby Dick can be seen as a thrilling and challenging adventure.
Arguments Against the Crew Willing to Help:
* Fear of Death: The crew is fully aware of Moby Dick's immense power and the high risk of death in pursuing it. Many might be hesitant to risk their lives.
* Moral Concerns: Some crew members might question Ahab's sanity and the morality of his relentless pursuit of revenge.
* Loss of Home and Family: Ahab's obsession is consuming the crew's lives and leaving them with little hope of returning home and seeing their families.
* Different Goals: The crew is ultimately concerned with whaling, their livelihood, and survival. Ahab's obsession diverts them from their primary mission, which could lead to resentment.
Conclusion:
The crew's willingness to help Ahab is a mix of motivations. While loyalty, fear, and the promise of reward are powerful drivers, the risk of death, moral concerns, and the sacrifice of their own lives are significant deterrents.
Ultimately, the novel suggests that the crew's motivations are complicated and often contradictory. They are caught between loyalty to their captain, the allure of the hunt, and the fear of an inevitable, tragic end.