The Mystery of Bulkington, a lesser known character in Moby Dick. Why was he put in the book? Did Melville have a larger role in mind for him but kind of forgot about him? Bulkington's "godliness" stemmed not from any aspiration to being worshipped, but from his commitment to a life at sea. He was heroically indifferent to the temptations of security and comfort on land that entice most sailors after long voyages. While others sought the safe"port" with its "hearthstone, supper, warm blankets, friends", the ocean remained Bulkington's truest home and calling.