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Moby Dick

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Moby Dick by Herman Melville is a classic novel that delves into the world of whaling in the 19th century, focusing on the vengeful hunt of a white sperm whale named Moby Dick by Captain Ahab. The story is narrated through the eyes of Ishmael, a young man who joins the crew of the ship Pequod along with his friend Queequeg, a former cannibal. The novel offers detailed insights into the whaling industry, life in Nantucket, and the psychological complexities of the characters, particularly Captain Ahab.

The writing style of Moby Dick is described as epic, humorous, sarcastic, and rich in variety. Herman Melville's prose is praised for its depth and complexity, transporting readers to the world of whaling with vivid descriptions of the sea, ships, whales, and the characters' inner turmoil. The novel weaves together elements of history, mythology, poetry, and humor, creating a literary masterpiece that explores themes of revenge, obsession, and the human condition.

Characters:

The characters are rich and diverse, including Ishmael, Captain Ahab, and Queequeg, each representing different aspects of humanity and the quest for understanding.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by poetic prose, grandiloquent language, and a mix of narrative forms, creating a unique reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Ishmael's journey and Captain Ahab's obsession with hunting and killing the whale Moby Dick, blending adventure, whaling lore, and philosophical insights.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the 19th-century whaling industry, with key locations including New Bedford and the ocean, highlighting both physical journeys and philosophical explorations.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow build and many digressions, culminating in a fast and dramatic final conflict.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the w...

Notes:

Moby Dick was first published in 1851 and has become one of the greatest American novels.
The novel is told from the perspective of Ishmael, an experienced sailor who embarks on a whaling journey.
Captain Ahab is obsessed with hunting Moby Dick, the whale that took his leg, embodying themes of revenge and obsession.
Melville includes lengthy chapters detailing the anatomy and nature of whales, as well as the whaling process, which are often seen as tedious by readers.
The book contains moments of humor and irony, contrasting with the darker themes of obsession and madness.
Moby Dick features a mix of literary styles, including narrative prose, poetry, and stage play format, adding to its complexity.
The character Queequeg serves as a representation of friendship and loyalty, challenging contemporary views on race and culture.
The ending of the novel results in Ahab's tragic demise and the destruction of the Pequod, with Ishmael as the sole survivor.
Moby Dick features biblical allusions, particularly referencing the story of Jonah, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
Herman Melville had first-hand experience as a whaler, which informs the book's detailed descriptions of whaling.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include graphic violence related to whaling, themes of obsession and madness, and depictions of death.

From The Publisher:

When the young Ishmael gets on board Captain Ahab's whaling ship, little does he suspect that the mission on which he is about to embark is the fulfilment of his master's obsessive desire for revenge on Moby Dick, a white whale who has already claimed countless human victims and destroyed many fleets. With some sinister crew members in their midst and the hazardous conditions of the sea to contend with, the expedition becomes increasingly dangerous the closer it gets to its quarry.

One of the great American novels, if not the greatest, Moby Dick epically combines rip-roaring adventure, a meticulously realistic portrayal of the whaling trade and a profound philosophical disquisition on the nature of good and evil.

Ratings (200)

Incredible (41)
Loved It (45)
Liked It (31)
It Was OK (38)
Did Not Like (34)
Hated It (11)

Reader Stats (484):

Read It (197)
Currently Reading (6)
Want To Read (135)
Did Not Finish (25)
Not Interested (121)

7 comment(s)

Did Not Like
3 months

Not my favorite writing style

 
Loved It
7 months

very dense, sometimes switching into screen play format, but the tale of man vs. an agent of god and losing will always sit with me

 
Loved It
9 months

enjoying the book despite negative expectations

the humorous tone in the beginning

the erudite and scientific descriptions of whales

bizarre form of the book

reminiscent of Shakespeare's works

Surprising philosophical reflections on human life

Unexpected respect for whales portrayed in the book

the cruelty of whaling and its consequences

cruelty to animals

 
Loved It
10 months

Amazing prose and a fascinating dive into the author's obsession. Perhaps it's because I'm neurodivergent myself, but I adore the sections where Melville nerds out on whales and whaling. He also captures perfectly so many aspects of the human condition, especially the need for and difficulties of community and the longing at the center of existence.

 
Incredible
2 years

The great tragedy of this story is matched by its gorgeous, epic writing. The feeling of being immersed in its pages and intimate with its characters is what I long for. Moby-Dick is, without a question, one of the most remarkable interactions with language I've ever read

 
Loved It
2 years

I found myself unexpectedly delighted at moments, bored to tears at others, and even little repulsed by others. This was nonetheless a worthwhile read.

 
Incredible
2 years

The Great American Novel. I read (and re-read) it slowly, limiting myself to a few pages at a time just so I could fully savor the prose.

 

About the Author:

Herman Melville was born in New York City in 1819. When his father died, he was forced to leave school and find work. After passing through some minor clerical jobs, the eighteen-year-old young man shipped out to sea, first on…

 
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