Moby Dick by Herman Melville is a classic novel that delves into the world of whaling in the 19th century, focusing on the vengeful hunt of a white sperm whale named Moby Dick by Captain Ahab. The story is narrated through the eyes of Ishmael, a young man who joins the crew of the ship Pequod along with his friend Queequeg, a former cannibal. The novel offers detailed insights into the whaling industry, life in Nantucket, and the psychological complexities of the characters, particularly Captain Ahab.
The writing style of Moby Dick is described as epic, humorous, sarcastic, and rich in variety. Herman Melville's prose is praised for its depth and complexity, transporting readers to the world of whaling with vivid descriptions of the sea, ships, whales, and the characters' inner turmoil. The novel weaves together elements of history, mythology, poetry, and humor, creating a literary masterpiece that explores themes of revenge, obsession, and the human condition.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include graphic violence related to whaling, themes of obsession and madness, and depictions of death.
From The Publisher:
When the young Ishmael gets on board Captain Ahab's whaling ship, little does he suspect that the mission on which he is about to embark is the fulfilment of his master's obsessive desire for revenge on Moby Dick, a white whale who has already claimed countless human victims and destroyed many fleets. With some sinister crew members in their midst and the hazardous conditions of the sea to contend with, the expedition becomes increasingly dangerous the closer it gets to its quarry.
One of the great American novels, if not the greatest, Moby Dick epically combines rip-roaring adventure, a meticulously realistic portrayal of the whaling trade and a profound philosophical disquisition on the nature of good and evil.
Ratings (200)
Incredible (41) | |
Loved It (45) | |
Liked It (31) | |
It Was OK (38) | |
Did Not Like (34) | |
Hated It (11) |
Reader Stats (481):
Read It (196) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (133) | |
Did Not Finish (25) | |
Not Interested (121) |
7 comment(s)
Not my favorite writing style
very dense, sometimes switching into screen play format, but the tale of man vs. an agent of god and losing will always sit with me
enjoying the book despite negative expectations
the humorous tone in the beginning
the erudite and scientific descriptions of whales
bizarre form of the book
reminiscent of Shakespeare's works
Surprising philosophical reflections on human life
Unexpected respect for whales portrayed in the book
the cruelty of whaling and its consequences
cruelty to animals
Amazing prose and a fascinating dive into the author's obsession. Perhaps it's because I'm neurodivergent myself, but I adore the sections where Melville nerds out on whales and whaling. He also captures perfectly so many aspects of the human condition, especially the need for and difficulties of community and the longing at the center of existence.
The great tragedy of this story is matched by its gorgeous, epic writing. The feeling of being immersed in its pages and intimate with its characters is what I long for. Moby-Dick is, without a question, one of the most remarkable interactions with language I've ever read
I found myself unexpectedly delighted at moments, bored to tears at others, and even little repulsed by others. This was nonetheless a worthwhile read.
The Great American Novel. I read (and re-read) it slowly, limiting myself to a few pages at a time just so I could fully savor the prose.
What can you read after
Moby Dick?
About the Author:
Herman Melville was born in New York City in 1819. When his father died, he was forced to leave school and find work. After passing through some minor clerical jobs, the eighteen-year-old young man shipped out to sea, first on…
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