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Moby Dick - Book Analysis

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 Hermans 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.   Melvilles 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. Ishmaels 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 Ishmaels
personality, since he is the narrator he doesnt
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...