Who is the second mate of the Pequod?

“Who is the second mate of the Pequod?” The answer is Stubb. He is the Pequod’s second mate and commands one of the ship’s three principal whaleboats during its voyage.

Stubb comes from Cape Cod and is characterized by his pipe, easy humor, and apparent calm in dangerous situations. Ishmael presents him as cheerful and irreverent, often treating the deadly business of whale hunting as though it were a casual game or dinner conversation. His relaxed manner contrasts sharply with Ahab’s single-minded obsession.

As an officer, Stubb stands below Starbuck, the first mate, and above Flask, the third mate. Each mate commands a boat and works with a designated harpooneer: Stubb is associated especially with Tashtego. Stubb also becomes connected to Pip’s story after Pip is temporarily assigned to his boat.

Readers sometimes mix up the Pequod’s officers because all three are prominent. Starbuck is the chief mate, Stubb is second mate, and Flask is third mate. Ahab, of course, is the captain rather than one of the mates.