Question

captain ahab stood erect, looking straight out beyond the ship’s ever—pitching prow. there was an infinity of firmest fortitude, a determinate, unsurrenderable wilfulness, in the fixed and fearless, forward dedication of that glance. not a word he spoke; nor did his officers say aught to him; though by all their minutest gestures and expressions, they plainly showed the uneasy, if not painful, consciousness of being under a troubled master - eye. —moby - dick, herman melville what is a possible theme based on this passage? ○ troubled leaders can have an unhealthy influence on their followers. ○ stubbornness is a necessary quality in a leader. ○ lack of verbal communication is a signal of a strong team. done

Explanation:

The passage describes Captain Ahab's determined, unyielding demeanor and how his officers feel uneasy under his "troubled master - eye". The first option, "Troubled leaders can have an unhealthy influence on their followers", matches this as the officers' uneasiness shows the negative impact of Ahab's troubled leadership. The second option is incorrect as stubbornness isn't presented as necessary. The third option is wrong as the lack of communication here is due to Ahab's troubled leadership, not a sign of a strong team.

Answer:

A. Troubled leaders can have an unhealthy influence on their followers.