And now Starbuck stands alone, leaning on the main sail, and gives his own inner monologue/soliloquy. He feels overpowered by Ahab, unable to be a voice of reason amidst the passionate vengeance of the old man and the excitement of the crew. Starbuck thinks to himself, "I plainly see my miserable office--to obey, rebelling; and worse yet, to hate with touch of pity!" This is indeed Starbuck's role as first mate--to obey his captain, but to also try to be a voice of reason. He feels an impending sense of horror.
