Which of the following sentences applies the rules of punctuation correctly?

The correct answer follows the rules of punctuation by using quotation marks appropriately around Ahab's spoken words and maintaining proper structure throughout the sentence. Quotation marks are needed to indicate that the phrase is a direct quote from the character in the novel.

The phrase inside the quotation marks flows well and uses semicolons to separate two related independent clauses, which is acceptable punctuation here. The semicolon effectively suggests a close relationship between the statements being made while also allowing for a pause in the reading, enhancing the dramatic effect of Ahab's speech.

Punctuation such as quotation marks, commas, and semicolons must be used correctly to maintain clarity and to properly convey the intended meaning. This option uses the quote format in a manner that is clear, structurally sound, and grammatically correct.

Other options may lack proper punctuation or contain errors that disrupt the clarity of the quoted material. They might not apply punctuation rules correctly or may not maintain the necessary quotation structure, leading to confusion or misinterpretation of the text.