Four of Pentacles

Meaning: Possessiveness, frugality, security

Depiction:  Third mate Flask is sitting below the mainmast; the doubloon Ahab nailed to it is visible above his head. He holds an enlarged doubloon in the manner of the RWS card and two are similarly by his feet. He sits surrounded by boxes of cigars, his chosen form of wealth.

Text: Chapter 99- The Doubloon

“I see nothing here, but a round thing made of gold, and whoever raises a certain whale, this round thing belongs to him. So, what’s all this staring been about? It is worth sixteen dollars, that’s true; and at two cents the cigar, that’s nine hundred and sixty cigars. I won’t smoke dirty pipes like Stubb, but I like cigars, and here’s nine hundred and sixty of them; so here goes Flask aloft to spy ’em out.”

Comments: Flask is described as "mediocre," and this passage screamed Flask to me. To him, the doubloon is nothing more than a means of keeping him supplied with his favorite smokes.