Chapter 3Chapter 3Romanticism (4)Romanticism (4)

Herman Melville (1819-189Herman Melville (1819-189

1)1)

ContentsContents Life experieceLife experiece His relationship with Nathaniel HawthoHis relationship with Nathaniel Hawtho

rnerne Analysis and appreciation of Moby DickAnalysis and appreciation of Moby Dick 1.1. Plot OverviewPlot Overview 2.2. Synopsis and understanding of Chapter4Synopsis and understanding of Chapter4

11 3.3. Analysis of Major CharactersAnalysis of Major Characters 4.4. Themes, Motifs & SymbolsThemes, Motifs & Symbols

Life ExperienceLife Experience

Herman Melville was born on the first of AHerman Melville was born on the first of August in 1819 in New York City, the third of ugust in 1819 in New York City, the third of eight children of Allan and Maria Gansevoeight children of Allan and Maria Gansevoort Melvill. His ancestors included several ort Melvill. His ancestors included several Scottish and Dutch settlers of New York, as Scottish and Dutch settlers of New York, as well as a number of prominent leaders in twell as a number of prominent leaders in the American Revolution. His paternal granhe American Revolution. His paternal grandfather, Major Thomas Melvill, was a memdfather, Major Thomas Melvill, was a member of the Boston Tea Party, and his materber of the Boston Tea Party, and his maternal grandfather, General Gansevoort, was nal grandfather, General Gansevoort, was renowned for leading the defense of Ft. Starenowned for leading the defense of Ft. Stanwix against the British during the revolutinwix against the British during the revolution.on.

Melville's father was involved in the felt Melville's father was involved in the felt and fur import business, yet in 1830 his and fur import business, yet in 1830 his business collapsed and the Melvill familbusiness collapsed and the Melvill family moved from New York City to Albany, y moved from New York City to Albany, where Allan Melvill died two years later. where Allan Melvill died two years later. As a child, Herman suffered from extreAs a child, Herman suffered from extremely poor eyesight caused by a bout of smely poor eyesight caused by a bout of scarlet fever, but he was able to attend Mcarlet fever, but he was able to attend Male High School despite his difficulties. ale High School despite his difficulties. Herman Melville worked as a bank clerk Herman Melville worked as a bank clerk before attending the Albany Classical Scbefore attending the Albany Classical School, and then worked for a short time ahool, and then worked for a short time as a teacher in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.s a teacher in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Although he studied surveying at Landingsburgh AcAlthough he studied surveying at Landingsburgh Academy in order to take part in the Erie Canal Project, ademy in order to take part in the Erie Canal Project, he did not gain a post with the project and instead shhe did not gain a post with the project and instead shipped out of America as a cabin boy on the St. Lawreipped out of America as a cabin boy on the St. Lawrence, bound for Liverpool. By this time, Melville had nce, bound for Liverpool. By this time, Melville had already started writing. In January of 1841 Melville ualready started writing. In January of 1841 Melville undertook a second voyage on the whaler Acushnet frndertook a second voyage on the whaler Acushnet from New Bedford to the South Seas. By June of the folom New Bedford to the South Seas. By June of the following year the Acushnet landed in the Polynesian Islowing year the Acushnet landed in the Polynesian Islands, and Melville's adventures in this area became lands, and Melville's adventures in this area became the basis for his first novel, the basis for his first novel, TypeeTypee (1846). (1846). This novel This novel is the reputed story of his life among the cannibalistiis the reputed story of his life among the cannibalistic Typee people for several months in 1842, but is likec Typee people for several months in 1842, but is likely a highly fictionalized dramatization of the actual ely a highly fictionalized dramatization of the actual events. Melville's second novel, vents. Melville's second novel, OmooOmoo (1847 (1847) details t) details the adventures of another whaling journey in which he adventures of another whaling journey in which Melville took part in a mutiny and landed in a TahitiMelville took part in a mutiny and landed in a Tahitian jail, from which he later easily escaped.an jail, from which he later easily escaped.

Melville took his final whaling voyage as a harpooner oMelville took his final whaling voyage as a harpooner on the n the Charles & HenryCharles & Henry, but left the voyage while on the , but left the voyage while on the Hawaiian Islands and returned to America as a sailor on Hawaiian Islands and returned to America as a sailor on the United Statesthe United States, reaching Boston in 1844. By the time , reaching Boston in 1844. By the time Melville reached America once more, his family's fortuMelville reached America once more, his family's fortunes had dramatically improved: his brother Gansevoort nes had dramatically improved: his brother Gansevoort had become the secretary for U.S. legation in London uhad become the secretary for U.S. legation in London under the Polk Administration. Melville could now supponder the Polk Administration. Melville could now support himself solely by writing, and his first two novels werrt himself solely by writing, and his first two novels were notorious successes. In August 1847 Melville married e notorious successes. In August 1847 Melville married Elizabeth Shaw, daughter of the Chief Justice of MassacElizabeth Shaw, daughter of the Chief Justice of Massachusetts, and began a new book, husetts, and began a new book, MardiMardi, which would be , which would be published in 1849. The novel was another Polynesian adpublished in 1849. The novel was another Polynesian adventure, but its fantastical elements and jarring juxtapoventure, but its fantastical elements and jarring juxtaposition of styles made it a critical and commercial disappsition of styles made it a critical and commercial disappointment. The successes ointment. The successes RedburnRedburn (1849) and (1849) and White-JackWhite-Jacketet (1950) (1950) returned to the style that had made Melville fa returned to the style that had made Melville famous, but neither work expanded the author's reputatiomous, but neither work expanded the author's reputation.n.

In the summer of 1850, under the influence of NIn the summer of 1850, under the influence of Nathaniel Hawthorne's athaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter, Melvill, Melville bought the Arrowhead farm near Pittsfield so te bought the Arrowhead farm near Pittsfield so that he could live near Hawthorne, and the two hat he could live near Hawthorne, and the two men, who shared similar philosophies, became men, who shared similar philosophies, became close. The relationship with Hawthorne reawakeclose. The relationship with Hawthorne reawakened Melville's creative energies, and in 1851 Melned Melville's creative energies, and in 1851 Melville published his most renowned novel, ville published his most renowned novel, Moby DickMoby Dick. Although now heralded as a landma. Although now heralded as a landmark work in American literature, the novel receivrk work in American literature, the novel received little acclaim upon its release. He followed thed little acclaim upon its release. He followed this with is with PierrePierre (1852), a novel that drew from Mel (1852), a novel that drew from Melville's experiences as a youth, and the modest suville's experiences as a youth, and the modest success ccess Israel PotterIsrael Potter (1855). Melville's most signific (1855). Melville's most significant works outside of ant works outside of Moby DickMoby Dick include the shor include the short stories that he wrote during this time period, int stories that he wrote during this time period, including "cluding "Bartleby the ScrivenerBartleby the Scrivener" (1853) and "" (1853) and "Benito CerenoBenito Cereno" (1855)." (1855).

In 1856 Melville journeyed to Europe, and he followed In 1856 Melville journeyed to Europe, and he followed this sojourn with the publication of this sojourn with the publication of The Confidence MThe Confidence Manan (1857), the final novel that Melville would publish d (1857), the final novel that Melville would publish during his lifetime. Melville then devoted himself to lecuring his lifetime. Melville then devoted himself to lecture tours and a global voyage that he abandoned in Sature tours and a global voyage that he abandoned in San Francisco. He published some poetry in his remainin Francisco. He published some poetry in his remaining years, but these works were of little note.ng years, but these works were of little note.

Melville's final years were marked by personal tragedy.Melville's final years were marked by personal tragedy. His son Malcolm shot himself in 1867, and another so His son Malcolm shot himself in 1867, and another son, Stanwix, died after a long and debilitating illness in n, Stanwix, died after a long and debilitating illness in 1886. During his final years Melville did return to writi1886. During his final years Melville did return to writing prose, and completed the novel ng prose, and completed the novel Billy BuddBilly Budd, which , which was not published until 1924, several decades after his was not published until 1924, several decades after his death. Melville completed death. Melville completed Billy BuddBilly Budd, the story of a sai, the story of a sailor who accidentally kills his master after being provolor who accidentally kills his master after being provoked by a false charge, in April of 1891, and five months ked by a false charge, in April of 1891, and five months later he died, on September 28 in New York City. later he died, on September 28 in New York City.

His relationship with NathanieHis relationship with Nathaniel Hawthornel Hawthorne

In the summer of 1850 Melville purchased aIn the summer of 1850 Melville purchased an eighteenth-century farmhouse in the comn eighteenth-century farmhouse in the community of Pittsfield in Berkshire County, Mamunity of Pittsfield in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Berkshire was then home to a nssachusetts. Berkshire was then home to a number of prominent literary figures such as umber of prominent literary figures such as Fanny Kemble, Oliver Wendell Holmes, JamFanny Kemble, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell, and, in Lenox, less than sies Russell Lowell, and, in Lenox, less than six miles from Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne.x miles from Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The two authors met for the first time in StoThe two authors met for the first time in Stockbridge on August 5, 1850, on a picnic excuckbridge on August 5, 1850, on a picnic excursion hosted by David Dudley Field. Hawthorsion hosted by David Dudley Field. Hawthorne was forty-six; Melville was thirty-one.rne was forty-six; Melville was thirty-one.

In the beginning the relationship was a great sIn the beginning the relationship was a great source of comfort and intellectual stimulation tource of comfort and intellectual stimulation to Melville, who believed he had finally found to Melville, who believed he had finally found the soul mate for whom he had been yearning. he soul mate for whom he had been yearning. As Sophia Hawthorne observed, "Mr. Melville, As Sophia Hawthorne observed, "Mr. Melville, generally silent and uncommunicative, pours ogenerally silent and uncommunicative, pours out the rich floods of his mind and experience tut the rich floods of his mind and experience to [Nathaniel Hawthorne], so sure of apprehenso [Nathaniel Hawthorne], so sure of apprehension, so sure of a large and generous interpretation, so sure of a large and generous interpretation, and of the most delicate and fine judgmenion, and of the most delicate and fine judgment." Hawthorne's influence, in fact, is credited at." Hawthorne's influence, in fact, is credited as the prime catalyst behind Melville's decision s the prime catalyst behind Melville's decision to transform what originally seems to have beeto transform what originally seems to have been a light-hearted whaling adventure into the drn a light-hearted whaling adventure into the dramatic masterpiece that is arguably the greatesamatic masterpiece that is arguably the greatest American novel of all time.t American novel of all time.

In August of 1852 Melville wrote to Hawthorne In August of 1852 Melville wrote to Hawthorne about the true story of a New England woman about the true story of a New England woman who had taken in and married a shipwrecked swho had taken in and married a shipwrecked sailor only to be abandoned by him. "The Story ailor only to be abandoned by him. "The Story of Agatha", Melville thought, would be a perfeof Agatha", Melville thought, would be a perfect subject for the application of Hawthorne's tct subject for the application of Hawthorne's talents; the older man, however, felt little enthalents; the older man, however, felt little enthusiasm for the project and after a few desultorusiasm for the project and after a few desultory attempts suggested that Melville write the sty attempts suggested that Melville write the story himself. Melville agreed, but it is uncertaiory himself. Melville agreed, but it is uncertain now whether he ever actually did anything n now whether he ever actually did anything with the material; at any rate, no published vewith the material; at any rate, no published version of the story by him has been discovered.rsion of the story by him has been discovered.

The "Agatha" correspondence marks nearly the eThe "Agatha" correspondence marks nearly the end of the Melville - Hawthorne relationship, whicnd of the Melville - Hawthorne relationship, which had lasted only a little over two years. The initih had lasted only a little over two years. The initial abundance of warmth and fellowship had fadeal abundance of warmth and fellowship had faded for reasons which can only be conjectured. Meld for reasons which can only be conjectured. Melville may have come to feel that Hawthorne was ville may have come to feel that Hawthorne was not as profoundly sympathetic and responsive as not as profoundly sympathetic and responsive as he had at first seemed; for his part, Hawthorne whe had at first seemed; for his part, Hawthorne was unsuccesful in using his long-established connas unsuccesful in using his long-established connections with Franklin Pierce to secure a governmections with Franklin Pierce to secure a government post for the impoverished Melville, a failure tent post for the impoverished Melville, a failure that left him "embarrassed and chagrined" and prhat left him "embarrassed and chagrined" and probably made him reluctant to pursue further encobably made him reluctant to pursue further encounters. The two men met for the last time in Noounters. The two men met for the last time in November 1856: en route to the Mediterranean Melvvember 1856: en route to the Mediterranean Melville stopped in Liverpool, where Hawthorne had ille stopped in Liverpool, where Hawthorne had been appointed American Consul; the two spent sbeen appointed American Consul; the two spent several days together, which Hawthorne recorded everal days together, which Hawthorne recorded in his journal as follows:in his journal as follows:

"Herman Melville came to see me at the Consulat"Herman Melville came to see me at the Consulate, looking much as he used to do (a little paler, ane, looking much as he used to do (a little paler, and perhaps a little sadder), in a rough outside coat, d perhaps a little sadder), in a rough outside coat, and with his characteristic gravity and reserve of and with his characteristic gravity and reserve of manner.... [W]e soon found ourselves on pretty manner.... [W]e soon found ourselves on pretty much our former terms of sociability and confidemuch our former terms of sociability and confidence. Melville has not been well, of late; ... and no nce. Melville has not been well, of late; ... and no doubt has suffered from too constant literary occdoubt has suffered from too constant literary occupation, pursued without much success, latterly; upation, pursued without much success, latterly; and his writings, for a long while past, have indicand his writings, for a long while past, have indicated a morbid state of mind.... Melville, as he alwated a morbid state of mind.... Melville, as he always does, began to reason of Providence and futurays does, began to reason of Providence and futurity, and of everything that lies beyond human ken,ity, and of everything that lies beyond human ken, and informed me that he had "pretty much made and informed me that he had "pretty much made up his mind to be annihilated"; but still he does nup his mind to be annihilated"; but still he does not seem to rest in that anticipation; and, I think, ot seem to rest in that anticipation; and, I think, will never rest until he gets hold of a definite beliwill never rest until he gets hold of a definite belief. ef.

It is strange how he persists -- and has persisted evIt is strange how he persists -- and has persisted ever since I knew him, and probably long before -- in er since I knew him, and probably long before -- in wondering to-and-fro over these deserts, as dismal wondering to-and-fro over these deserts, as dismal and monotonous as the sand hills amid which we and monotonous as the sand hills amid which we were sitting. He can neither believe, nor be comforwere sitting. He can neither believe, nor be comfortable in his unbelief; and he is too honest and courtable in his unbelief; and he is too honest and courageous not to try to do one or the other. If he were ageous not to try to do one or the other. If he were a religious man, he would be one of the most truly a religious man, he would be one of the most truly religious and reverential; he has a very high and nreligious and reverential; he has a very high and noble nature, and better worth immortality than mooble nature, and better worth immortality than most of us."st of us."

Although Melville never corresponded with HawthAlthough Melville never corresponded with Hawthorne again, he did not forget him. He continued to orne again, he did not forget him. He continued to read and annotate Hawthorne's works after the lattread and annotate Hawthorne's works after the latter's death in 1864 (Melville's copies of Hawthorne ter's death in 1864 (Melville's copies of Hawthorne texts are preserved in Harvard's Houghton Library); exts are preserved in Harvard's Houghton Library); the reserved and finally unresponsive traveler Vinthe reserved and finally unresponsive traveler Vine in Clarel is widely considered to have been based e in Clarel is widely considered to have been based on Hawthorne; and the poem "Monody" from Timoon Hawthorne; and the poem "Monody" from Timoleon is almost certainly about him.leon is almost certainly about him.

Analysis and appreciation of Analysis and appreciation of MMoby Dickoby Dick

Plot OverviewPlot Overview Ishmael, the narrator, announces his intent tIshmael, the narrator, announces his intent t

o ship aboard a whaling vessel. He travels to o ship aboard a whaling vessel. He travels to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he stays iNew Bedford, Massachusetts, where he stays in a whalers' inn, sharing a bed with a harpoonn a whalers' inn, sharing a bed with a harpooner from the South Pacific named Queequeg. Iser from the South Pacific named Queequeg. Ishmael comes to appreciate the man's generosihmael comes to appreciate the man's generosity and kind spirit, and the two decide to seek ty and kind spirit, and the two decide to seek work on a whaling vessel together. They take work on a whaling vessel together. They take a ferry to Nantucket, the traditional capital of a ferry to Nantucket, the traditional capital of the whaling industry. There they secure berththe whaling industry. There they secure berths on the Pequod, a savage-looking ship adornes on the Pequod, a savage-looking ship adorned with the bones and teeth of sperm whales.d with the bones and teeth of sperm whales.

The PequodThe Pequod leaves Nantucket on a cold Christmas Day wi leaves Nantucket on a cold Christmas Day with a crew made up of men from many different countries th a crew made up of men from many different countries and races. Soon the ship is in warmer waters, and Ahab and races. Soon the ship is in warmer waters, and Ahab makes his first appearance on deck. He announces his demakes his first appearance on deck. He announces his desire to pursue and kill Moby Dick, the legendary great whsire to pursue and kill Moby Dick, the legendary great white whale who took his leg, because he sees this whale as ite whale who took his leg, because he sees this whale as the embodiment of evil. Ahab nails a gold doubloon to ththe embodiment of evil. Ahab nails a gold doubloon to the mast and declares that it will be the prize for the first me mast and declares that it will be the prize for the first man to sight the whale. As the Pequod sails toward the soutan to sight the whale. As the Pequod sails toward the southern tip of Africa, whales are sighted and unsuccessfully hern tip of Africa, whales are sighted and unsuccessfully hunted.hunted.

The Pequod roundsThe Pequod rounds Africa and enters the Indian Ocean. A Africa and enters the Indian Ocean. A few whales are successfully caught and processed for thefew whales are successfully caught and processed for their oil. From time to time, the ship encounters other whaliir oil. From time to time, the ship encounters other whaling vessels. Ahab always demands information about Mobng vessels. Ahab always demands information about Moby Dick from their captains. One of the ships, the Jeroboay Dick from their captains. One of the ships, the Jeroboam, carries Gabriel, a crazed prophet who predicts doom fm, carries Gabriel, a crazed prophet who predicts doom for anyone who threatens Moby Dick.or anyone who threatens Moby Dick.

During another whale hunt, Pip, the Pequod's blacDuring another whale hunt, Pip, the Pequod's black cabin boy, jumps from a whaleboat and is left bek cabin boy, jumps from a whaleboat and is left behind in the middle of the ocean. He goes insane as hind in the middle of the ocean. He goes insane as the result of the experience and becomes a crazy bthe result of the experience and becomes a crazy but prophetic jester for the ship. Soon after, the Pequt prophetic jester for the ship. Soon after, the Pequod meets the Samuel Enderby, a whaling ship whuod meets the Samuel Enderby, a whaling ship whose skipper, Captain Boomer, has lost an arm in aose skipper, Captain Boomer, has lost an arm in an encounter with Moby Dick. The two captains disn encounter with Moby Dick. The two captains discuss the whale; Boomer, happy simply to have surcuss the whale; Boomer, happy simply to have survived his encounter, cannot understand Ahab's lusvived his encounter, cannot understand Ahab's lust for vengeance. t for vengeance.

Ahab's fervent desire to find and destroy Moby DicAhab's fervent desire to find and destroy Moby Dick continues to intensify, and the mad Pip is now hik continues to intensify, and the mad Pip is now his constant companion. The Pequod approaches ths constant companion. The Pequod approaches the equator, where Ahab expects to find the great we equator, where Ahab expects to find the great whale. hale.

The ship encounters two more whaling ships, the The ship encounters two more whaling ships, the Rachel and the Delight, both of which have recentRachel and the Delight, both of which have recently had fatal encounters with the whale. Ahab finally had fatal encounters with the whale. Ahab finally sights Moby Dick. The harpoon boats are launcly sights Moby Dick. The harpoon boats are launched, and Moby Dick attacks Ahab's harpoon boat, hed, and Moby Dick attacks Ahab's harpoon boat, destroying it. The next day, Moby Dick is sighted adestroying it. The next day, Moby Dick is sighted again, and the boats are lowered once more. The wgain, and the boats are lowered once more. The whale is harpooned, but Moby Dick again attacks Ahale is harpooned, but Moby Dick again attacks Ahab's boat. hab's boat.

On the third day, the boats are once again sent aftOn the third day, the boats are once again sent after Moby Dick, who once again attacks them. Mober Moby Dick, who once again attacks them. Moby Dick rams the Pequod and sinks it. Ahab is then y Dick rams the Pequod and sinks it. Ahab is then caught in a harpoon line and hurled out of his harcaught in a harpoon line and hurled out of his harpoon boat to his death. All of the remaining whalepoon boat to his death. All of the remaining whaleboats and men are caught in the vortex created by boats and men are caught in the vortex created by the sinking Pequod and pulled under to their deatthe sinking Pequod and pulled under to their deaths. Ishmael, who was thrown from a boat at the bhs. Ishmael, who was thrown from a boat at the beginning of the chase, was far enough away to esceginning of the chase, was far enough away to escape the whirlpool, and he alone survives. ape the whirlpool, and he alone survives.

SynopsisSynopsis Ishmael compares the legend of Moby Dick to Ishmael compares the legend of Moby Dick to

his experience of the whale. He notes that sperhis experience of the whale. He notes that sperm whale attacks have increased recently and thm whale attacks have increased recently and that superstitious sailors have come to regard thesat superstitious sailors have come to regard these attacks as having an intelligent, even supernate attacks as having an intelligent, even supernatural origin. In particular, wild rumors about Moural origin. In particular, wild rumors about Moby Dick circulate among whale men, suggesting by Dick circulate among whale men, suggesting that he can be in more than one place at the sathat he can be in more than one place at the same time and that he is immortal. Ishmael remame time and that he is immortal. Ishmael remarks that even the wildest of rumors usually contrks that even the wildest of rumors usually contains some truth. Whales, for instance, have beeains some truth. Whales, for instance, have been known to travel with remarkable speed from tn known to travel with remarkable speed from the Atlantic to the Pacific; thus, it is possible for he Atlantic to the Pacific; thus, it is possible for a whale to be caught in the Pacific with the harpa whale to be caught in the Pacific with the harpoons of a Greenland ship in it. Moby Dick, who oons of a Greenland ship in it. Moby Dick, who has defied capture numerous times, exhibits an has defied capture numerous times, exhibits an “intelligent malignity” in his attacks on men.“intelligent malignity” in his attacks on men.

Ishmael explains that Ahab lost his leg Ishmael explains that Ahab lost his leg when he tried to attack Moby Dick with when he tried to attack Moby Dick with a knife after the whale destroyed his boa knife after the whale destroyed his boats. Far from land, Ahab did not have acats. Far from land, Ahab did not have access to much in the way of medical care cess to much in the way of medical care and thus underwent unimaginable physand thus underwent unimaginable physical and mental suffering on the ship's rical and mental suffering on the ship's return to Nantucket. Ishmael deduces theturn to Nantucket. Ishmael deduces that Ahab's madness and his single-mindeat Ahab's madness and his single-minded drive to destroy the whale must have od drive to destroy the whale must have originated during his bedridden agony.riginated during his bedridden agony.

Understanding of Chapter41Understanding of Chapter41 "All that most maddens and torments; all t"All that most maddens and torments; all t

hat stirs up the lees of things; all truth withat stirs up the lees of things; all truth with malice in it; all that cracks the sinews anh malice in it; all that cracks the sinews and cakes the brain; all the subtle demonismd cakes the brain; all the subtle demonisms of life and thought; all evil, to crazy Ahas of life and thought; all evil, to crazy Ahab, were visibly personified, and made prab, were visibly personified, and made practically assailable in Moby Dick. He piled ctically assailable in Moby Dick. He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of aupon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whll the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if ole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it."hot heart's shell upon it."

This quote, from Chapter 41, is the existential heart of This quote, from Chapter 41, is the existential heart of the book; appropriately, the chapter from which it cothe book; appropriately, the chapter from which it comes shares its title with the White Whale and the novmes shares its title with the White Whale and the novel itself. While many sailors aboard the Pequod use leel itself. While many sailors aboard the Pequod use legends about particularly large and malevolent whales gends about particularly large and malevolent whales as a way to manage the fear and danger inherent in was a way to manage the fear and danger inherent in whaling, they do not take these legends literally. Ahab, haling, they do not take these legends literally. Ahab, on the other hand, believes that Moby Dick is evil incon the other hand, believes that Moby Dick is evil incarnate, and pits himself and humanity in an epic, timarnate, and pits himself and humanity in an epic, timeless struggle against the White Whale. His belief that eless struggle against the White Whale. His belief that killing Moby Dick will eradicate evil evidences his inakilling Moby Dick will eradicate evil evidences his inability to understand things symbolically: he is too literbility to understand things symbolically: he is too literal a reader of the world around him. Instead of interpal a reader of the world around him. Instead of interpreting the loss of his leg as a common consequence of reting the loss of his leg as a common consequence of his occupation and perhaps as a punishment for takinhis occupation and perhaps as a punishment for taking excessive risks, he sees it as evidence of evil cosmic g excessive risks, he sees it as evidence of evil cosmic forces persecuting him.forces persecuting him.

Moby Dick is supernatural and Man is limited.Moby Dick is supernatural and Man is limited.

Analysis of Major CharacterAnalysis of Major Characterss

IshmaelIshmael Despite his centrality to the story, Ishmael doesDespite his centrality to the story, Ishmael does

n't reveal much about himself to the reader. We n't reveal much about himself to the reader. We know that he has gone to sea out of some deep sknow that he has gone to sea out of some deep spiritual malaise and that shipping aboard a whapiritual malaise and that shipping aboard a whaler is his version of committing suicide—he beliler is his version of committing suicide—he believes that men aboard a whaling ship are lost to eves that men aboard a whaling ship are lost to the world. It is apparent from Ishmael's frequethe world. It is apparent from Ishmael's frequent digressions on a wide range of subjects—front digressions on a wide range of subjects—from art, geology, and anatomy to legal codes and m art, geology, and anatomy to legal codes and literatureliterature—*—*that he is intelligent and well eduthat he is intelligent and well educated,cated, yet he claims that a whaling ship has beeyet he claims that a whaling ship has been “[his] Yale College and [his] Harvard.” n “[his] Yale College and [his] Harvard.” He *He *seems to be a self-taught Renaissance manseems to be a self-taught Renaissance man, g, good at everything but committed to nothing. ood at everything but committed to nothing.

Additionally, Additionally, **Ishmael represents the fundameIshmael represents the fundamental contradiction between the story of Moby-ntal contradiction between the story of Moby-Dick and its setting.Dick and its setting. Melville has created a prof Melville has created a profound and philosophically complicated tale and sound and philosophically complicated tale and set it in a world of largely uneducated working-clet it in a world of largely uneducated working-class men;ass men; Ishmael, thus, seems less a real charaIshmael, thus, seems less a real character than an instrument of the author.cter than an instrument of the author. No one No one else aboard else aboard the Pequodthe Pequod possesses the proper co possesses the proper combination of intellect and experience to tell this mbination of intellect and experience to tell this story. Indeed, at times even Ishmael fails Melvillstory. Indeed, at times even Ishmael fails Melville's purposes, and he disappears from the story foe's purposes, and he disappears from the story for long stretches, replaced by dramatic dialogues r long stretches, replaced by dramatic dialogues and soliloquies from Ahab and other characters.and soliloquies from Ahab and other characters.

AhabAhab *Ahab, the Pequod's obsessed captain, *rep*Ahab, the Pequod's obsessed captain, *rep

resents both an ancient and a quintessentiaresents both an ancient and a quintessentially modern type of hero.lly modern type of hero. Like the heroes of G Like the heroes of Greek or Shakespearean tragedy, Ahab suffers reek or Shakespearean tragedy, Ahab suffers from a single fatal flaw, one he shares with sufrom a single fatal flaw, one he shares with such legendary characters as Oedipus and Faust.ch legendary characters as Oedipus and Faust.

**His tremendous overconfidence, or hubris,His tremendous overconfidence, or hubris, leads him to defy common sense and belie leads him to defy common sense and believe that, like a god, he can enact his will and ve that, like a god, he can enact his will and remain immune to the forces of nature.remain immune to the forces of nature. He He considers Moby Dick the embodiment of evil considers Moby Dick the embodiment of evil in the world, and he pursues the White Whalin the world, and he pursues the White Whale monomaniacally because he believes it his ie monomaniacally because he believes it his inescapable fate to destroy this evil. nescapable fate to destroy this evil.

According to the critic M. H. Abrams, such a tragAccording to the critic M. H. Abrams, such a tragic hero “moves us to pity because, since he is nic hero “moves us to pity because, since he is not an evil man, his misfortune is greater than he ot an evil man, his misfortune is greater than he deserves; but he moves us also to fear, because deserves; but he moves us also to fear, because we recognize similar possibilities of error in our we recognize similar possibilities of error in our own lesser and fallible selves.” own lesser and fallible selves.”

Unlike the heroes of older tragic works, however,Unlike the heroes of older tragic works, however, **Ahab suffers from a fatal flawAhab suffers from a fatal flaw that is not nece that is not necessarily inborn but instead stems from damage, issarily inborn but instead stems from damage, in his case, n his case, both psychological and physical, iboth psychological and physical, inflicted by life in a harsh worldnflicted by life in a harsh world. *. *He is as mucHe is as much a victim as he is an aggressor,h a victim as he is an aggressor, and the symbol and the symbolic opposition that he constructs between himself ic opposition that he constructs between himself and Moby Dick propels him toward what he conand Moby Dick propels him toward what he considers a destined end.siders a destined end.

Moby DickMoby Dick In a sense, Moby Dick is not a character, as the reIn a sense, Moby Dick is not a character, as the re

ader has no access to the White Whale's thoughts, ader has no access to the White Whale's thoughts, feelings, or intentions. Instead, feelings, or intentions. Instead, *Moby Dick is an *Moby Dick is an impersonal force, one that many critics have inimpersonal force, one that many critics have interpreted as an allegorical representation of Goterpreted as an allegorical representation of God, an inscrutable and all-powerful beingd, an inscrutable and all-powerful being that hu that humankind can neither understand nor defymankind can neither understand nor defy. .

**Moby Dick thwarts free will and cannot be defMoby Dick thwarts free will and cannot be defeated, only accommodated or avoided.eated, only accommodated or avoided. Ishmael Ishmael tries a plethora of approaches to describe whales tries a plethora of approaches to describe whales in general, but none proves adequate. Indeed, as in general, but none proves adequate. Indeed, as Ishmael points out, the majority of a whale is hidIshmael points out, the majority of a whale is hidden from view at all times.den from view at all times...

In this way,In this way, a whale mirrors its environment. La whale mirrors its environment. Like the whale, only the surface of the ocean is aike the whale, only the surface of the ocean is available for human observation and interpretatvailable for human observation and interpretation, while its depths conceal unknown and unkion, while its depths conceal unknown and unknowable truthsnowable truths

Furthermore, even when Ishmael does get his hFurthermore, even when Ishmael does get his hands on a “whole” whale, he is unable to deteands on a “whole” whale, he is unable to determine which part—the skeleton, the head, the rmine which part—the skeleton, the head, the skin—offers the best understanding of the whoskin—offers the best understanding of the whole living, breathing creature; he cannot localize le living, breathing creature; he cannot localize the essence of the whale. the essence of the whale. This conundrum can This conundrum can be read as a metaphor for the human relationsbe read as a metaphor for the human relationship with the Christian Godhip with the Christian God (or any other god, fo (or any other god, for that matter): God is unknowable and cannot br that matter): God is unknowable and cannot be pinned down.e pinned down.

Themes, Motifs & SymbolsThemes, Motifs & Symbols ThemesThemes The Limits of KnowledgeThe Limits of Knowledge As Ishmael tries, in the opening pages of MobAs Ishmael tries, in the opening pages of Mob

y-Dick, to offer a simple collection of literary ey-Dick, to offer a simple collection of literary excerpts mentioning whales, he discovers that, txcerpts mentioning whales, he discovers that, throughout history, the whale has taken on an ihroughout history, the whale has taken on an incredible multiplicity of meanings. Over the cncredible multiplicity of meanings. Over the course of the novel, he makes use of nearly everourse of the novel, he makes use of nearly every discipline known to man in his attempts to uy discipline known to man in his attempts to understand the essential nature of the whale. Eanderstand the essential nature of the whale. Each of these systems of knowledge, however, inch of these systems of knowledge, however, including art, taxonomy, and phrenology, fails to cluding art, taxonomy, and phrenology, fails to give an adequate account.give an adequate account.

The multiplicity of approaches that IshmaeThe multiplicity of approaches that Ishmael takes, coupled with his compulsive need tl takes, coupled with his compulsive need to assert his authority as a narrator and the o assert his authority as a narrator and the frequent references to the limits of observfrequent references to the limits of observation (men cannot see the depths of the ocation (men cannot see the depths of the ocean, for example), ean, for example), suggest that *suggest that *human knhuman knowledge is always limited and insufficienowledge is always limited and insufficient.t. When it comes to Moby Dick himself, thiWhen it comes to Moby Dick himself, this limitation takes on allegorical significancs limitation takes on allegorical significance. The ways of Moby Dick, like those of the e. The ways of Moby Dick, like those of the Christian God, are unknowable to man, anChristian God, are unknowable to man, and thus trying to interpret them, as Ahab dod thus trying to interpret them, as Ahab does, is inevitably futile and often fatal.es, is inevitably futile and often fatal.

The Deceptiveness of FateThe Deceptiveness of Fate In addition to highlighting many portentous or foreshaIn addition to highlighting many portentous or foresha

dowing events, Ishmael's narrative contains manydowing events, Ishmael's narrative contains many referreferences to fate, creating the impression that the Pequoences to fate, creating the impression that the Pequod's doom is inevitable.d's doom is inevitable. Many of the sailors believe in p Many of the sailors believe in prophecies, and some even claim the ability to foretell throphecies, and some even claim the ability to foretell the future. e future. A number of things suggest, however, that cA number of things suggest, however, that characters are actually deluding themselves when theharacters are actually deluding themselves when they think that they see the work of fate and that fate eity think that they see the work of fate and that fate either doesn't exist or is one of the many forces about wher doesn't exist or is one of the many forces about which human beings can have no distinct knowledge.hich human beings can have no distinct knowledge. Ahab, for example, clearly exploits the sailors' belief in Ahab, for example, clearly exploits the sailors' belief in fate to manipulate them into thinking that the quest for fate to manipulate them into thinking that the quest for Moby Dick is their common destiny. Moreover, the proMoby Dick is their common destiny. Moreover, the prophesies of Fedallah and others seem to be undercut in phesies of Fedallah and others seem to be undercut in Chapter 99, when various individuals interpret the douChapter 99, when various individuals interpret the doubloon in different ways, demonstrating that humans prbloon in different ways, demonstrating that humans project what they want to see when they try to interpret sioject what they want to see when they try to interpret signs and portents.gns and portents.

The Exploitative Nature of WhalingThe Exploitative Nature of Whaling At first glance, At first glance, the Pequodthe Pequod seems like an islan seems like an islan

d of equality and fellowship in the midst of a rd of equality and fellowship in the midst of a racist, hierarchically structured worldacist, hierarchically structured world.. The shi The ship's crew includes men from all corners of the glp's crew includes men from all corners of the globe and all races who seem to get along harmoobe and all races who seem to get along harmoniously. Ishmael is initially uneasy upon meetinniously. Ishmael is initially uneasy upon meeting Queequeg, but he quickly realizes that it is betg Queequeg, but he quickly realizes that it is better to have a “sober cannibal than a drunken Cter to have a “sober cannibal than a drunken Christian” for a shipmate.hristian” for a shipmate.

**Additionally, the conditions of work aboard Additionally, the conditions of work aboard tthe Pequodhe Pequod promote a certain kind of egalitari promote a certain kind of egalitarianism, since men are promoted and paid accanism, since men are promoted and paid according to their skill.ording to their skill.

However, the work of whaling parallels the other However, the work of whaling parallels the other exploitative activities—buffalo hunting, gold miniexploitative activities—buffalo hunting, gold mining, unfair trade with indigenous peoples—that chng, unfair trade with indigenous peoples—that characterize American and European territorial exparacterize American and European territorial expansion. ansion.

**Each of the Pequod's mates, who are white, is eEach of the Pequod's mates, who are white, is entirely dependent on a nonwhite harpooner, anntirely dependent on a nonwhite harpooner, and nonwhites perform most of the dirty or danged nonwhites perform most of the dirty or dangerous jobs aboard the ship.rous jobs aboard the ship. Flask actually stands Flask actually stands on Daggoo, his African harpooner, in order to beaon Daggoo, his African harpooner, in order to beat the other mates to a prize whale. Ahab is depictet the other mates to a prize whale. Ahab is depicted as walking over the black youth Pip, who listens d as walking over the black youth Pip, who listens to Ahab's pacing from below deck, and is thus reto Ahab's pacing from below deck, and is thus reminded that his value as a slave is less than the vaminded that his value as a slave is less than the value of a whale.lue of a whale.

MotifsMotifs WhitenessWhiteness Whiteness, to Ishmael, is horrible because it rWhiteness, to Ishmael, is horrible because it r

epresents the unnatural and threatening: albiepresents the unnatural and threatening: albinos, creatures that live in extreme and inhospinos, creatures that live in extreme and inhospitable environments, waves breaking against rtable environments, waves breaking against rocks.ocks. These examples reverse the traditional ass These examples reverse the traditional association of whiteness with purity. Whiteness conociation of whiteness with purity. Whiteness conveys both a lack of meaning and an unreadable eveys both a lack of meaning and an unreadable excess of meaning that confounds individuals. xcess of meaning that confounds individuals. MMoby Dick is the pinnacle of whitenessoby Dick is the pinnacle of whiteness and Melv and Melville's characters cannot objectively understand tille's characters cannot objectively understand the White Whale. Ahab, for instance, believes thahe White Whale. Ahab, for instance, believes that Moby Dick represents evil, while Ishmael fails it Moby Dick represents evil, while Ishmael fails in his attempts to determine scientifically the whn his attempts to determine scientifically the whale's fundamental nature.ale's fundamental nature.

Surfaces and DepthsSurfaces and Depths Ishmael frequently bemoans the impossibility of examiIshmael frequently bemoans the impossibility of exami

ning anything in its entirety, noting that only the surfaning anything in its entirety, noting that only the surfaces of objects and environments are available to the huces of objects and environments are available to the human observer. On a live whale, for example, only the oman observer. On a live whale, for example, only the outer layer presents itself; on a dead whale, it is impossiuter layer presents itself; on a dead whale, it is impossible to determine what constitutes the whale's skin, or ble to determine what constitutes the whale's skin, or which part—skeleton, blubber, head—offers the best uwhich part—skeleton, blubber, head—offers the best understanding of the entire animal. Moreover, as the wnderstanding of the entire animal. Moreover, as the whale swims, it hides much of its body underwater, awahale swims, it hides much of its body underwater, away from the human gaze, and no one knows where it goy from the human gaze, and no one knows where it goes or what it does. es or what it does. The sea itself is the greatest frustrThe sea itself is the greatest frustration in this regard: its depths are mysterious and ination in this regard: its depths are mysterious and inaccessibleaccessible to Ishmael. to Ishmael. This motif represents the largThis motif represents the larger problem of the limitations of human knowledgeer problem of the limitations of human knowledge.. Humankind is not all-seeing; we can Humankind is not all-seeing; we can only observeonly observe, , anand thus only acquire knowledge about, that fraction of ed thus only acquire knowledge about, that fraction of entities—both individuals and environments—to which ntities—both individuals and environments—to which we have access: we have access: surfaces.surfaces.

SymbolsSymbols The PequodThe Pequod Named after a Native American tribe in Massachusetts Named after a Native American tribe in Massachusetts

that did not long survive the arrival of white men and tthat did not long survive the arrival of white men and thus memorializing extinction, hus memorializing extinction, the Pequod is a symbol the Pequod is a symbol of doom.of doom. It is painted a gloomy black and covered in w It is painted a gloomy black and covered in whale teeth and bones, literally bristling with the memenhale teeth and bones, literally bristling with the mementos of violent death. It is, in fact, tos of violent death. It is, in fact, marked for deathmarked for death. Ad. Adorned like a primitive coffin, orned like a primitive coffin, the Pequodthe Pequod becomes one. becomes one.

Queequeg's CoffinQueequeg's Coffin Queequeg's coffin alternately symbolizes life and deQueequeg's coffin alternately symbolizes life and de

ath.ath. Queequeg has it built when he is seriously ill, but Queequeg has it built when he is seriously ill, but when he recovers, it becomes a chest to hold his belongwhen he recovers, it becomes a chest to hold his belongings and an emblem of his will to live. He perpetuates tings and an emblem of his will to live. He perpetuates the knowledge tattooed on his body by carving it onto thhe knowledge tattooed on his body by carving it onto the coffin's lid. The coffin further comes to symbolize life,e coffin's lid. The coffin further comes to symbolize life, in a morbid way, when it replaces in a morbid way, when it replaces the Pequod'sthe Pequod's life buo life buoy. When the Pequod sinks, the coffin becomes Ishmaey. When the Pequod sinks, the coffin becomes Ishmael's buoy, saving not only his life but the life of the narral's buoy, saving not only his life but the life of the narrative that he will pass on.tive that he will pass on.

Moby DickMoby Dick Moby Dick, on an objective level, symboliMoby Dick, on an objective level, symboli

zes humankind's inability to understand tzes humankind's inability to understand the world;he world;

Moby Dick possesses various symbolic meMoby Dick possesses various symbolic meanings for various individuals.anings for various individuals.

**To the Pequod's crew, the legendary WhitTo the Pequod's crew, the legendary White Whale is a concepte Whale is a concept onto which they can d onto which they can displace their anxieties about their dangerouisplace their anxieties about their dangerous and often very frightening jobs. Because ths and often very frightening jobs. Because they have no delusions about Moby Dick actiney have no delusions about Moby Dick acting malevolently toward men or literally embog malevolently toward men or literally embodying evil, tales about the whale allow them dying evil, tales about the whale allow them to confront their fear, manage it, and continto confront their fear, manage it, and continue to function. ue to function.

**Ahab, on the other hand, believes that Moby Ahab, on the other hand, believes that Moby Dick is a manifestation of all that is wrong wiDick is a manifestation of all that is wrong with the world, and he feels that it is his destinth the world, and he feels that it is his destiny to eradicate this symbolic evil.y to eradicate this symbolic evil.

Moby Dick also bears out interpretations not tiMoby Dick also bears out interpretations not tied down to specific characters. ed down to specific characters. **In its inscrutaIn its inscrutable silence and mysterious habits, for exampble silence and mysterious habits, for example, the White Whale can be read as an allegorle, the White Whale can be read as an allegorical representation of an unknowable God.ical representation of an unknowable God. A As a profitable commodity, it fits into the schems a profitable commodity, it fits into the scheme of white economic expansion and exploitatioe of white economic expansion and exploitation in the nineteenth. n in the nineteenth. **As a part of the natural As a part of the natural world, it represents the destruction of the enworld, it represents the destruction of the environment by such hubristic expansion.vironment by such hubristic expansion.

AssignmentAssignment What are the themes in What are the themes in Moby DickMoby Dick?? What are the motifs in What are the motifs in Moby DickMoby Dick?? To Ishmael, Why is the motif--- whitenesTo Ishmael, Why is the motif--- whitenes

s is horrible?s is horrible? What does What does Moby DickMoby Dick symbolize on an o symbolize on an o

bjective level? And then what to the Pequbjective level? And then what to the Pequod’s crew, and to Ahab? As a part of the od’s crew, and to Ahab? As a part of the natural world, what does it represent?natural world, what does it represent?

Pictures of white whalesPictures of white whales