Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville

The whaling industry

The whaling industry is central to the plot and themes of Moby-Dick. The novel is set in the early 1800s, when the whaling industry was at its peak. The whaling ship Pequod, on which Ishmael and Captain Ahab sail, is a microcosm of the whaling industry. The crew is made up of men from all over the world, and they work together to hunt and process whales.

The whaling industry was a dangerous and difficult job. Whalers faced the risk of shipwrecks, whale attacks, and diseases. They also had to be very skilled in order to hunt and process whales safely and efficiently.

The whaling industry was also very profitable. Whale oil was a valuable commodity in the mid-19th century, and it was used in a variety of products, such as lamps, soap, and candles. The whaling industry made many people wealthy, but it also had a devastating impact on whale populations.

Moby-Dick explores the whaling industry from a variety of perspectives. The novel shows the excitement and adventure of whaling, but it also shows the dangers and brutality of the industry. Melville also examines the ethical implications of whaling and the impact of the industry on the environment.

Here are some specific ways in which the whaling industry is explored in Moby-Dick:

The novel describes the different types of whaling ships and the tools and equipment used by whalers.
The novel shows the process of hunting and processing whales.
The novel examines the dangers and hardships faced by whalers.
The novel explores the economic and social importance of the whaling industry.
The novel raises ethical questions about the whaling industry and its impact on the environment.

Moby-Dick is a complex and multi-layered novel, and the whaling industry is just one of the many topics that it explores. However, the whaling industry is central to the plot and themes of the novel, and it is important to understand the industry in order to fully appreciate the novel.

Melville's personal experiences

Melville's personal experiences on a whaling ship had a profound impact on his writing of Moby-Dick. He drew on his memories of whaling life in creating the characters, setting, and plot of the novel.

One of the most important ways in which Melville's personal experiences influenced Moby-Dick is in the novel's realism. Melville's descriptions of whaling ships, whaling equipment, and whaling practices are all based on his own observations. He also accurately captured the language and customs of whalers.

Melville's personal experiences also influenced his portrayal of the characters in Moby-Dick. The novel's protagonist, Ishmael, is a young man who is new to whaling. This reflects Melville's own experience as a young whaler. Melville also drew on his experiences to create other characters, such as Captain Ahab, Queequeg, and Starbuck.

In addition to the realism and characters of Moby-Dick, Melville's personal experiences also influenced the novel's plot. The novel's central conflict is between Captain Ahab's obsession with killing the white whale Moby Dick and the other characters' attempts to stop him. This conflict reflects Melville's own inner conflict about the whaling industry. He was fascinated by the industry, but he was also disturbed by its brutality.

Overall, Melville's personal experiences on a whaling ship had a profound impact on his writing of Moby-Dick. The novel is a realistic and complex portrayal of the whaling industry, and it reflects Melville's own ambivalence about the industry.

Here are some specific examples of how Melville's personal experiences influenced Moby-Dick:

Melville's description of the Pequod, the whaling ship on which Ishmael and Captain Ahab sail, is based on his own experiences sailing on the whaling ship Acushnet.
Melville's description of the process of hunting and processing whales is also based on his own observations.
Melville's portrayal of the dangers and hardships faced by whalers is also based on his own experiences.
Melville's character of Captain Ahab is loosely based on a real whaling captain named Peleg Coffin.
Melville's character of Queequeg is based on a real Polynesian man named Titus, who Melville met on the Acushnet.

Moby-Dick is a masterpiece of American literature, and Melville's personal experiences on a whaling ship played a major role in its creation.

The novel's symbolism

Moby-Dick is a very symbolic novel. The white whale Moby Dick himself is perhaps the most famous symbol in the novel, but there are many other symbols as well.

Here are some examples of symbols in Moby-Dick:

The white whale Moby Dick: Moby Dick can be seen as a symbol of many things, including nature, God, evil, and the unknown.
The Pequod: The Pequod, the whaling ship on which Ishmael and Captain Ahab sail, can be seen as a symbol of the world, society, or the human condition.
The coffin: The coffin that Queequeg builds for himself can be seen as a symbol of death, but it can also be seen as a symbol of life and rebirth.
The compass: The compass can be seen as a symbol of reason and order, but it can also be seen as a symbol of the limits of human knowledge.
The doubloon: The doubloon is a gold coin that Captain Ahab nails to the mast of the Pequod. It can be seen as a symbol of Ahab's obsession with Moby Dick, but it can also be seen as a symbol of greed and materialism.

These are just a few examples of the many symbols in Moby-Dick. The novel is full of rich and complex symbolism, and readers can interpret the symbols in many different ways.

Melville's use of symbolism in Moby-Dick is one of the things that makes the novel so rich and complex. The symbols add depth and meaning to the novel, and they invite readers to think about the novel in new and different ways.

Here is an example of how one of the symbols in Moby-Dick can be interpreted:

The white whale Moby Dick can be seen as a symbol of evil. He is a powerful and destructive creature, and he is responsible for the deaths of many men. However, Moby Dick can also be seen as a symbol of the natural world, which is indifferent to human suffering. In the end, Ahab's obsession with killing Moby Dick leads to his own destruction and the destruction of the Pequod. This can be seen as a warning about the dangers of hubris and the importance of respecting the natural world.

Moby-Dick is a complex and multi-layered novel, and its symbolism is one of the things that makes it so enduring. Readers can continue to find new meanings in the novel's symbols for many years to come.

The novel's themes

Moby-Dick is a novel that explores a number of complex themes, including:

Good vs. evil: The novel's central conflict is between Captain Ahab's obsession with killing the white whale Moby Dick and the other characters' attempts to stop him. This conflict can be seen as a representation of the struggle between good and evil in the world.
The limits of knowledge: The novel explores the limits of human knowledge. The characters in the novel try to understand Moby Dick, but they are ultimately unable to do so. This suggests that there are some things that humans are simply not meant to know.
The relationship between humans and nature: The novel also explores the relationship between humans and nature. The whalers in the novel hunt and kill whales, but they also respect their power and beauty. This suggests that humans can have a complex and ambivalent relationship with nature.

In addition to these central themes, Moby-Dick also explores other themes such as:

Obsession: Captain Ahab is obsessed with killing Moby Dick, and his obsession leads to his own destruction. This suggests that obsession can be dangerous and destructive.
Fate: The novel suggests that fate plays a role in the lives of the characters. For example, the Pequod's encounter with Moby Dick seems to be predetermined by fate.
Revenge: Captain Ahab is seeking revenge against Moby Dick for taking his leg. This suggests that revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be destructive.

Moby-Dick is a complex and multi-layered novel, and it explores these themes in depth. The novel's themes are still relevant today, and they continue to resonate with readers.

Here is an example of how one of the novel's themes can be explored:

The theme of good vs. evil can be explored by looking at the characters of Captain Ahab and Starbuck. Ahab is obsessed with killing Moby Dick, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. He is willing to sacrifice his own life and the lives of his crew members in his pursuit of revenge. Starbuck, on the other hand, is a moral man who tries to stop Ahab from carrying out his plan. He sees that Ahab's obsession is leading him to destruction.

The conflict between Ahab and Starbuck can be seen as a representation of the struggle between good and evil in the world. Ahab represents evil, while Starbuck represents good. In the end, Ahab's obsession with Moby Dick leads to his own destruction and the destruction of the Pequod. This suggests that good will ultimately triumph over evil, but it may come at a great cost.

Moby-Dick is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. The novel's exploration of complex themes makes it a timeless classic.

The novel's literary influences

Melville was influenced by a number of other writers, including Shakespeare, Dante, and the Bible. These influences can be seen in Moby-Dick in a number of ways.

For example, Moby-Dick is full of allusions to Shakespeare's plays. Melville's character of Captain Ahab is often compared to Shakespeare's Macbeth, and the novel's central conflict is similar to the conflict in Macbeth. Melville also uses Shakespearean language and imagery throughout the novel.

Dante's Divine Comedy is another important influence on Moby-Dick. Melville's character of Queequeg is often seen as a parallel to Dante's character of Virgil, who guides Dante through the Inferno. Melville also uses Dantean imagery throughout the novel, such as the image of the Pequod as a ship of hell.

The Bible is also a major influence on Moby-Dick. The novel's central conflict is often seen as a retelling of the story of Adam and Eve, with Captain Ahab representing Adam and Moby Dick representing God. Melville also uses biblical language and imagery throughout the novel.

In addition to these specific influences, Moby-Dick is also indebted to the broader tradition of Western literature. Melville was a well-read man, and he drew on his knowledge of literature to create a novel that is both complex and allusive.

Here are some specific examples of Melville's literary influences in Moby-Dick:

Melville's character of Captain Ahab is often compared to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Both characters are obsessed with their goals, and both characters are willing to sacrifice everything to achieve them.
Melville's character of Queequeg is often seen as a parallel to Dante's character of Virgil. Both characters are guides and mentors to the protagonists of their respective stories.
Melville's Pequod is often seen as a ship of hell. The ship is dark and dangerous, and it is ultimately destroyed.
Melville's central conflict is often seen as a retelling of the story of Adam and Eve. Captain Ahab represents Adam, and Moby Dick represents God.
Melville uses biblical language and imagery throughout the novel, such as the image of the white whale as a Leviathan.

Moby-Dick is a complex and allusive novel, and Melville's literary influences are one of the things that make it so rich and rewarding. Readers can continue to find new meanings in the novel's allusions for many years to come.

The historical basis for the story of Moby Dick

The story of Moby Dick is based on the true story of the whale Mocha Dick, a white sperm whale who was known for his size, strength, and ferocity. He was hunted by whalers for many years, but he was never killed.

Mocha Dick was first spotted in 1818, and he was quickly known as one of the most dangerous whales in the Pacific Ocean. He was said to be over 100 feet long and to weigh over 100 tons. He was also known for his aggressive behavior, and he was said to have sunk or damaged several whaling ships.

Mocha Dick was eventually killed in 1839 by the whaling ship Essex. However, the Essex was also sunk by the whale, and only eight of the crew members survived.

The story of Mocha Dick was widely reported in the newspapers, and it quickly became a legend. Herman Melville was inspired by the story, and he used it as the basis for his novel Moby Dick.

Melville's Moby Dick is a much larger and more powerful whale than Mocha Dick. He is also much more symbolic. In addition to being a physical threat to the characters, Moby Dick also represents the dangers of obsession, hubris, and the unknown.

However, the historical basis for the story of Moby Dick is important to understand. It helps us to see that Melville's novel is not just a work of fiction, but also a meditation on real-world themes.

In addition to the story of Mocha Dick, Melville was also influenced by other real-world events when writing Moby Dick. For example, the novel's sinking of the Pequod is based on the sinking of the whaling ship Essex. Melville also drew on his own personal experiences as a whaler when writing the novel.

As a result, Moby Dick is a novel that is both grounded in reality and deeply symbolic. It is a novel that can be enjoyed on many different levels.

The role of race and ethnicity in the novel

The role of race and ethnicity in Moby-Dick is complex and multifaceted. Melville's novel is set in the mid-19th century, a time when racism was deeply ingrained in American society. However, Melville himself was a complex figure with his own views on race and ethnicity.

On the one hand, Melville's novel does reflect some of the racist attitudes of his time. For example, the character of Queequeg, a Polynesian man, is initially portrayed as a savage and a cannibal. However, as Ishmael gets to know Queequeg, he comes to appreciate his wisdom and kindness. Queequeg becomes one of Ishmael's closest friends, and he plays a vital role in the novel.

Melville also uses race and ethnicity to explore the themes of good and evil in Moby-Dick. Captain Ahab, the novel's antagonist, is a white man who is obsessed with killing Moby Dick, a white whale. Ahab's obsession leads him to destroy himself and others. Queequeg, on the other hand, represents the goodness of humanity. He is selfless, compassionate, and wise.

In the end, Melville's novel suggests that race and ethnicity are not important. What matters is a person's character. This was a radical message in the mid-19th century, but it is still relevant today.

Here are some specific examples of how Melville explores the role of race and ethnicity in Moby-Dick:

Melville describes the different racial and ethnic groups that are represented on the Pequod, the whaling ship on which the novel is set. The crew includes men from all over the world, including white Americans, African Americans, Polynesians, and Native Americans.
Melville explores the different prejudices and stereotypes that the characters have about each other. For example, Ishmael is initially prejudiced against Queequeg, but he comes to overcome his prejudice as he gets to know Queequeg better.
Melville also explores the ways in which race and ethnicity can be used to justify violence and oppression. For example, Captain Ahab sees Moby Dick as a symbol of evil, and he believes that he is justified in killing the whale, even if it means sacrificing his own life and the lives of his crew members.

Moby-Dick is a complex and challenging novel, and its exploration of race and ethnicity is no exception. Melville's novel does not provide easy answers, but it does force us to think about the complex and often contradictory ways in which race and ethnicity shape our lives.

The novel's treatment of religion and mythology

The novel's treatment of religion and mythology is complex and multifaceted. Melville was a deeply religious man, but he was also critical of organized religion and its hypocrisy. He was also fascinated by mythology, and he used it to explore the big questions of life, such as the nature of good and evil and the relationship between humans and nature.

One of the most important ways in which Melville treats religion in Moby-Dick is through the character of Captain Ahab. Ahab is a deeply religious man, but he has been corrupted by his obsession with killing Moby Dick. He sees Moby Dick as a symbol of evil, and he believes that he is justified in killing the whale, even if it means sacrificing his own life and the lives of his crew members.

Ahab's obsession with Moby Dick can be seen as a metaphor for religious extremism. Melville suggests that religious extremism can lead to violence and destruction. He also suggests that it is important to be critical of organized religion and its hypocrisy.

Melville also uses religion to explore the theme of free will in Moby-Dick. Ahab believes that he is destined to kill Moby Dick, but Ishmael suggests that Ahab has a choice. Ishmael believes that Ahab can choose to overcome his obsession, but Ahab chooses to destroy himself and others instead.

In addition to religion, Melville also uses mythology in Moby-Dick. The white whale Moby Dick himself is a mythical figure. He is often compared to the Leviathan, a sea monster from the Bible. Melville also uses other mythological figures and symbols in the novel, such as the siren and the Kraken.

Melville uses mythology to explore the big questions of life, such as the nature of good and evil and the relationship between humans and nature. He suggests that mythology can help us to understand the world around us and our place in it.

Here are some specific examples of how Melville treats religion and mythology in Moby-Dick:

Melville describes the different religious beliefs of the characters in the novel. The crew of the Pequod includes men from all over the world, and they represent a variety of religious faiths.
Melville explores the ways in which religion can be used to justify violence and oppression. For example, Captain Ahab sees Moby Dick as a symbol of evil, and he believes that he is justified in killing the whale, even if it means sacrificing his own life and the lives of his crew members.
Melville also uses religion to explore the theme of free will. Captain Ahab believes that he is destined to kill Moby Dick, but Ishmael suggests that Ahab has a choice. Ishmael believes that Ahab can choose to overcome his obsession, but Ahab chooses to destroy himself and others instead.
Melville uses mythology to explore the big questions of life, such as the nature of good and evil and the relationship between humans and nature. For example, the white whale Moby Dick can be seen as a symbol of the natural world, which is indifferent to human suffering.

Moby-Dick is a complex and challenging novel, and its treatment of religion and mythology is no exception. Melville's novel does not provide easy answers, but it does force us to think about the complex and often contradictory ways in which religion and mythology shape our lives.

The novel's use of language and symbolism

Moby-Dick is a novel that is rich in language and symbolism. Melville was a master of language, and he used it to create a novel that is both beautiful and challenging. He also used symbolism to explore the big questions of life, such as the nature of good and evil and the relationship between humans and nature.

One of the most striking things about Melville's language in Moby-Dick is its use of imagery. Melville used vivid and evocative imagery to bring the world of the novel to life. For example, he describes the white whale Moby Dick as "a snow-white shadow on the dark blue sea." He also describes the Pequod, the whaling ship on which the novel is set, as "a floating city."

Melville also used language to create a sense of mood and atmosphere in Moby-Dick. For example, he uses dark and ominous language to describe the white whale Moby Dick. He also uses language to create a sense of suspense and excitement. For example, he describes the chase scene between the Pequod and Moby Dick in a way that is both thrilling and terrifying.

In addition to his use of language, Melville also used symbolism to explore the big questions of life in Moby-Dick. The white whale Moby Dick himself is a symbol of many things, including nature, God, evil, and the unknown. The Pequod, the whaling ship on which the novel is set, can be seen as a symbol of the world, society, or the human condition. The coffin that Queequeg builds for himself can be seen as a symbol of death, but it can also be seen as a symbol of life and rebirth.

Melville's use of language and symbolism is one of the things that makes Moby-Dick such a rich and rewarding novel. His language is both beautiful and challenging, and his symbolism is both complex and thought-provoking.

Here are some specific examples of Melville's use of language and symbolism in Moby-Dick:

Melville uses the metaphor of the Pequod as a "floating city" to explore the theme of society. The Pequod is a microcosm of society, with its own rules and hierarchies.
Melville uses the symbol of the white whale Moby Dick to explore the theme of evil. Moby Dick is a powerful and destructive creature, and he is responsible for the deaths of many men.
Melville uses the symbol of the coffin that Queequeg builds for himself to explore the theme of life and death. The coffin is a reminder of Queequeg's mortality, but it is also a symbol of his hope for the afterlife.

Moby-Dick is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. Melville's use of language and symbolism is one of the things that makes the novel so rich and thought-provoking.

The novel's critical reception and influence
Moby-Dick was initially met with mixed reviews when it was published in 1851. Some critics praised the novel for its originality, scope, and ambition, while others criticized it for its length, complexity, and lack of traditional narrative structure. The novel was a commercial failure, and Melville was devastated by the critical reception.

However, Moby-Dick began to gain recognition in the early 20th century, and it is now considered to be one of the greatest American novels ever written. The novel has been praised for its complex characters, its rich symbolism, and its beautiful language. It has also been praised for its exploration of universal themes such as good and evil, hubris, and the relationship between humans and nature.

Moby-Dick has had a profound influence on American literature and culture. The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and operas. It has also been referenced in countless other works of literature, music, and art.

Here are some specific examples of Moby-Dick's critical reception and influence:

In 1921, the critic D.H. Lawrence wrote that Moby-Dick was "one of the greatest books in the English language."
In 1953, the critic F.O. Matthiessen wrote that Moby-Dick was "the greatest of American novels."
In 1998, the Library of Congress selected Moby-Dick as one of the 100 greatest American novels of the 20th century.
Moby-Dick has been adapted into numerous films, including a 1956 film directed by John Huston and starring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab.
Moby-Dick has also been adapted into several television shows, including a 1998 miniseries directed by Franc Roddam and starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab.
Moby-Dick has also been adapted into several operas, including a 1990 opera composed by Jake Heggie.
Moby-Dick has been referenced in countless other works of literature, music, and art. For example, the novel is mentioned in the songs "Moby Dick" by Led Zeppelin and "The Whale" by Barenaked Ladies.

Moby-Dick is a masterpiece of American literature and one of the most influential novels ever written. It is a novel that continues to be read and studied today, and its influence can be seen in countless other works of art and culture.