Why does Melville use Ishmael as narrator in Moby Dick and why does he make him so ambiguous and confusing?

Melville uses Ishmael as the narrator in "Moby Dick" to provide a relatable and introspective perspective on the events of the novel. By making Ishmael ambiguous and confusing, Melville adds depth to the character, allowing readers to interpret his thoughts and motivations in different ways, enhancing the complexity of the narrative. Ishmael's ambiguity also serves to emphasize the mysterious and enigmatic elements of the story, contributing to the overall theme of the unknowable nature of the sea and the whale.