Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is an 1851 novel by American writer Herman Melville. Written from the perspective of a sailor called Ishmael, it tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on Moby-Dick, the giant white sperm whale that on a previous voyage bit off his leg at the knee. With its innovative narrative structure, exploration of themes such as obsession, the nature of evil, and humanity's relationship with the natural world, the novel presents a complex intersection of adventure, philosophy, and symbolism.
Melville began writing Moby-Dick in February 1850, drawing on his own experiences at sea and on his extensive reading of whaling literature. The novel is famed for its detailed descriptions of whaling and life at sea, as well as for its philosophical and allegorical undertones. The story follows Ishmael's experiences aboard the Pequod, from his initial journey to join the ship in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to his relationship with the Polynesian harpooneer Queequeg, and the unfolding of Captain Ahab’s tragic pursuit of Moby-Dick. The diverse crew serves as a microcosm of 19th-century American society, touching upon themes of race, class, religion, and the human condition.
The book's structure is unconventional, mixing narrative prose with songs, poetry, and digressive essays that explore subjects ranging from cetology (the zoology of whales) to philosophical reflections on existence. This medley of styles and the depth of narrative have attracted extensive scholarly analysis and interpretation. The work's initial reception was mixed, with contemporary critics praising its adventurous story and vivid details but questioning its philosophical digressions and complex structure. Over time, Moby-Dick has come to be recognized as one of the most important works in American literature, celebrated for its ambition, imagination, and uniquely American character.
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About the author
Herman Melville
Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American author recognized for his contributions to literature. Drawing on his experiences in Polynesia, his early novels, such as Typee and Omoo, were well-received. Melville's literary style evolved significantly over the course of his career, moving from adventure narratives to more philosophically and psychologically driven works rich in symbolism. However, his later works, including the now celebrated Moby-Dick (1851), failed to capture the attention of his contemporaries, leading to a period of relative obscurity.
Melville's experimental writing has been significantly reassessed in the years following his death, particularly with the "Melville Revival" of the early 20th century. Today, Moby-Dick is hailed as a masterpiece of American literature, celebrated for its ambitious narrative and complex exploration of themes such as obsession, revenge, and the human condition. Similarly, Billy Budd, which was published posthumously in 1924, is recognized for its poignant examination of good and evil, justice, and innocence.
Melville's life was marred by financial struggles, and he spent the later years of his life working as a customs inspector in New York City. Despite these challenges, he continued to write, with his later works focusing primarily on poetry. He died in 1891, largely forgotten by the literary world. His legacy lives on.
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