Moby Dick

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Moby Dick

I. Biographical Insights

A. The culture this great author was a part of was the time in American history

where inspiring works of literature began to emerge. It was also a time when

American writers had not completely separated its literary heritage from Europe,

partly because there were successful literary genius' flourishing there.

B. Herman Melville was born on August 1, 1819, he was the son of Allan and Maria

Melville. During Herman's childhood he lived in the “good” neighborhoods of New

York City. In 1832 Herman suffered tragedy when his father died after trying to

cope with the stress of debts and misfortunes. After a short time in a business

house in New York City, Herman determined he needed to go to sea. He spent

years traveling on a variety of ships, including whaling ships.

C1. Melville's perspective on life is that God created the universe with an

infinite number of meanings and man is always trying to determine one specific

meaning.

D2. The “lessons” that Melville is likely to weave into his writing are 1. An

exposition on whales and the whaling industry. 2. A commentary on the universe

and human destiny. 3. Thoughts about God and Nature.

III. Characters

B. The protagonist in this book is Ishmael, a Christian, schoolteacher and part-

time sailor. Ishmael's role in the hunt for “Moby Dick” is to interpret what is

happening. He discusses his reasons for going to sea and interprets and looks

for understanding a number of reasons for any specific action where other

characters only understand one reason.

C. It is hard to say what changes take place in Ishmael's personality, since he

is the narrator he doesn't talk about himself, he only talks about what he sees.

D1. Ishmael befriends Queequeg who is a cannibal. Even though Queequeg is very

ugly Ishmael sees that Queequeg has an honest heart, great honor, and a lot of

courage. This friendship had a positive influence on Ishmael's behavior because

it taught him not to judge on outward appearances.

E2. Another relationship that was very short was the relationship between

Ishmael and Captain Ahab. For the first few days aboard the Pequod Ishmael

always saw Ahab in the shadows. When Ishmael finally saw Ahab he had shivers

run through his body. Ishmael felt Ahab's attitude of determination, dedication

and hatred towards “Moby Dick” in Ahab's appearance. This relationship was a

negative relationship because Ishmael now feared Ahab and did not want to

become friends with such an evil person.

F. The conflict that Ishmael experienced was that he saw how Ahab was such an

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