Typee by Herman Melville is a novel based on the author's experiences when he jumped ship from an American whaling vessel and found himself in the Marquesas Islands. The book presents a narrative of being held by a cannibal tribe, the Typee, and offers a detailed look at island life through the eyes of the protagonist. Melville's writing style combines themes of peace, beauty, and sensuality with a critique of Western intruders, creating a nuanced portrayal of the earthly paradise that gradually turns into a tale of dread, loneliness, and fear.

Characters:

Characters are depicted as simple and somewhat sketchy, with Tommo providing a reflective narrator's perspective against the backdrop of Polynesian culture.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by vivid, poetic descriptions and a sensuous quality, often interspersed with humor and philosophical insights.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is characterized by its simplicity and slightness, focusing more on character exploration and cultural observation than on a traditional narrative structure.

Setting:

The setting is richly established in the Marquesas Islands, focusing on the lush, tropical environment and the life of the Typee tribe.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is notably slow, with action taking a backseat to extensive cultural descriptions and observations.

Six months at sea! Yes, reader, as I live, six months out of sight of land; cruising after the sperm-whale beneath the scorching sun of the Line, and tossed on the billows of the wide-rolling Pacific—...

Notes:

Typee was Herman Melville's first novel, published in 1846 when he was just 27 years old.

The book is based on Melville's real experiences after he jumped ship from a whaling vessel in the Marquesas.

Initially marketed as a true account, it combined elements of fact and fiction.

The story follows two American sailors, Tom and Toby, who escape from their whaling ship.

They encounter the Typee tribe, known for their supposed cannibalism, but find them to be kind and welcoming.

Melville describes the richness of Polynesian culture, customs, and their relationship with nature.

Despite its romantic narrative, the book critiques European colonialism and the impact of civilization on native cultures.

Typee is written in lush, poetic prose, often celebrated for its unique language and humor.

The novel explores themes of noble savagery and contrasts the simplicity of island life with the complexities of Western civilization.

The character Tommo, based on Melville, grapples with his place among the Typees amidst fears of being eaten.

The story does not follow a traditional plot, with much of the narrative focusing on cultural descriptions rather than action.

Melville's humor is considered one of his underrated qualities, adding depth to his observations.

Typee remains a popular work, influencing subsequent writers interested in themes of adventure and cultural exploration.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of cannibalism, colonial violence, and racial biases reflective of the time.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, particularly in the relationship between the narrator Tommo and the character Fayaway.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

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Typee

Herman Melville