Moby-Dick

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Moby Dick p510 illustration

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Moby Dick final chase

Houghton AC85.M4977.Zz839b - History of the Sperm Whale

Herman Melville

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is an 1851 novel by American writer Herman Melville. The book is sailor Ishmael's narrative of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that on the ship's previous voyage bit off Ahab's leg at the knee.

Plot

The novel is structured as a series of first-person narratives, sermons, soliloquies, and descriptions of life at sea. It begins with the famous line, "Call me Ishmael." Ishmael signs up for a whaling voyage on the Pequod, under the command of Captain Ahab. Ahab is driven by a monomaniacal desire to kill Moby Dick, who has maimed him. The crew includes Starbuck, Stubb, and Flask, along with Queequeg, Tashtego, and Daggoo, the harpooners. The novel describes various types of whales, whaling techniques, and the ship's encounters with other whaling vessels. The climax occurs when the Pequod finally encounters Moby Dick in the Pacific Ocean. In a tragic final confrontation, the whale destroys the ship, leaving Ishmael as the sole survivor.

Themes

Moby-Dick explores themes of fate, free will, the existence of God, and the nature of evil. The novel also delves into issues of race, social hierarchy, and the destructive nature of obsession. Melville uses the ship Pequod, with its diverse crew, as a microcosm of society.

Literary Significance and Reception

Initially, Moby-Dick was met with mixed reviews and sold poorly. However, in the 20th century, it was recognized as a masterpiece of American literature and a treasure of world literature. The novel is celebrated for its complex narrative style, rich symbolism, and philosophical depth.

Adaptations

Moby-Dick has been adapted into numerous films, radio dramas, comics, and a 2010 miniseries. It has also inspired or been referenced in music, visual arts, and literature.

See Also

• American literature
• Whaling in literature
• Herman Melville