Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" is a classic American novel that has captivated readers for generations. Published in 1851, it tells the story of a whaling expedition gone wrong, driven by one man's obsessive quest for revenge against a monstrous white whale. Through the eyes of the narrator, Ishmael, we embark on a journey that is both thrilling and philosophical, exploring themes of obsession, fate, and the nature of good and evil.
Introduction
"Call me Ishmael." With these iconic words, Melville begins his epic tale. Despite its current status as a literary masterpiece, "Moby Dick" wasn't an immediate success upon its release. It wasn't until after Melville's death in 1891 that the book began to gain recognition as one of the great American novels. Authors like D.H. Lawrence and William Faulkner later praised its merits, cementing its place in the literary canon.
"Moby Dick" is an unusual novel in many ways. It's written in the specific dialect of a 19th-century sailor, and its style often shifts between prose, stage play format, and anecdotal conversations. While the book is over 600 pages long, it's relatively light on plot and heavy on digressions that explain the intricacies of whales and whaling ships in minute detail.
These immersive details, however, serve to illuminate the unique mind of Ishmael, the narrator, and transport the reader aboard the doomed ship Pequod. Through Ishmael's eyes, we experience a world of adventure, danger, and philosophical musings on the nature of life and humanity's place in the universe.
Ishmael's Journey Begins
The story opens with Ishmael, a young man seeking adventure, traveling from New York to Nantucket, Massachusetts. His goal is to find work on one of the many whaling ships preparing to leave the island. Ishmael is presented as a "simple sailor," but as the narrator looking back on his adventure, he reveals himself to be far from simple-minded. His narration is filled with expert knowledge on whaling, marine biology, history, and philosophy.
Before reaching Nantucket, Ishmael must spend a night in New Bedford. Due to limited funds and the town being crowded with fishermen and sailors, he's forced to share not only a room but also a bed with a stranger at a local inn. This leads to one of the book's most memorable and humorous scenes.
In the middle of the night, Ishmael encounters his roommate for the first time. The man, named Queequeg, is a harpooner from Polynesia. Ishmael's initial description of Queequeg is both fearful and fascinated. He observes Queequeg's dark, tattooed skin, his nearly bald head with a small knot of hair, and his teeth filed down to sharp points. Queequeg performs a sacred ritual with a small black statue, unaware of Ishmael's presence in the bed.
When Queequeg finally notices Ishmael, chaos ensues. However, once the initial panic subsides and they properly introduce themselves, Ishmael and Queequeg become fast friends. The next morning, Ishmael wakes to find Queequeg's tattooed arm draped over him as if he were Queequeg's wife.
This encounter sets the tone for one of the novel's underlying themes: the acceptance of those who are different from ourselves. Ishmael's initial fear of Queequeg quickly gives way to friendship and understanding, demonstrating Ishmael's open-mindedness and tolerance.
Joining the Pequod
Ishmael and Queequeg travel to Nantucket together, seeking work on a whaling ship. After consulting his idol, Queequeg tells Ishmael to choose which ship they should join. Fate leads Ishmael to select the Pequod, a whaling ship captained by the mysterious Ahab. The Pequod is set to embark on a three-year voyage to the Pacific Ocean in search of whales.
It's worth noting that the first 20 chapters of the book focus on Ishmael's experiences before boarding the Pequod. During this time, Ishmael serves as both narrator and protagonist. However, once aboard the ship, Ishmael the character fades into the background, allowing other characters, particularly Captain Ahab, to take center stage.
Throughout the novel, Ishmael the narrator remains a constant presence. He frequently interrupts the narrative to provide detailed explanations about whaling practices, historical anecdotes, and philosophical musings. His narration is peppered with references to Biblical characters, Roman philosophers, and historical figures. He also occasionally presents conversations between characters in the format of a stage play, complete with stage directions.
This narrative style implies that Ishmael became a learned and well-traveled man in the years following his adventure on the Pequod. The name "Ishmael" itself is Biblical, denoting a wanderer and an outcast, which aligns with the vast knowledge and experiences he shares with readers.
Life Aboard the Pequod
Once aboard the Pequod, Ishmael introduces us to the ship's hierarchy and key characters. The three mates serving under Captain Ahab are:
Starbuck, the chief mate: A thoughtful realist and Quaker, Starbuck serves as a voice of reason throughout the voyage.
Stubb, the second mate: Always cheerful and optimistic, Stubb provides a contrast to the more serious characters.
Flask, the third mate: A short, dour man with an insatiable appetite for killing whales.
Despite being at sea for several days, Captain Ahab remains unseen, creating an air of mystery and anticipation among the crew. When Ahab finally emerges from his cabin, his appearance is striking. He has a long scar down the side of his face and an ivory-white prosthetic leg, said to be fashioned from a sperm whale's jaw.
Ahab's Obsession Revealed
In a pivotal moment, Ahab addresses the crew and reveals his true purpose for the voyage. He's not interested in a routine whaling expedition; instead, he's fixated on hunting down one specific whale – Moby Dick, the enormous white sperm whale responsible for Ahab's injuries.
To motivate the crew, Ahab nails a gold doubloon to the ship's mast, promising it as a reward to whoever first spots Moby Dick. This dramatic gesture, combined with Ahab's passionate speech, excites most of the crew, including young Ishmael.
However, not everyone is swayed by Ahab's mission. Starbuck, the first mate, immediately recognizes the madness in Ahab's quest for revenge. He sees the needless danger it poses to the ship and crew, both in terms of their lives and the financial interests of the Pequod's owners. The ship's mandate is to hunt and kill as many whales as possible, collecting oil and spermaceti to bring back home. Jeopardizing this mission for the sake of one whale strikes Starbuck as irresponsible and potentially fatal.
Despite Starbuck's concerns, most of the crew is willing to follow Ahab's orders. The captain's near-absolute power aboard a ship goes largely unquestioned, setting the stage for the conflict that will drive the rest of the narrative.
The Nature of Obsession
Ahab's monomaniacal obsession with Moby Dick forms the core of the novel's plot and themes. While the actual story of the Pequod's voyage is relatively straightforward, Melville uses this framework to explore deeper philosophical questions about the nature of obsession, revenge, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Ishmael's narrative style, with its frequent digressions and detailed explanations about whaling practices and whale biology, serves as a counterpoint to Ahab's single-minded focus. While Ahab is obsessed with destroying the whale, Ishmael is obsessed with understanding it. This contrast highlights one of the novel's central themes: the difference between seeking knowledge and seeking destruction.
Throughout the book, Melville provides extensive information about whales and the whaling industry. These sections, while sometimes slowing the plot, serve multiple purposes:
They provide foreshadowing for the Pequod's eventual encounter with Moby Dick, detailing the power and physical characteristics of whales that will become crucial in the final confrontation.
They demonstrate Ishmael's curiosity and appreciation for the majesty of whales, contrasting sharply with Ahab's desire for revenge.
They give readers a comprehensive understanding of the whaling industry, providing context for the characters' actions and motivations.
These digressions also allow Melville to explore various literary styles, shifting between straightforward narrative, scientific exposition, philosophical musing, and even dramatic dialogue. This variety in style keeps the reader engaged and reinforces the idea of the novel as a comprehensive exploration of its subject matter.
Omens and Prophecies
As the Pequod continues its journey, various omens and prophecies begin to accumulate, adding to the sense of impending doom. Sailors are known for their superstitions, and the crew of the Pequod is no exception. They interpret various events as bad omens, warning against the pursuit of Moby Dick.
One particularly dramatic incident occurs when a severe storm hits the ship. Lightning strikes Ahab's harpoon, setting the boat on fire. Starbuck sees this as a direct intervention from God, urging them to turn back. However, Ahab's determination remains unshaken, demonstrating the depths of his obsession and his willingness to defy even seemingly divine warnings.
Ahab himself is concerned with only one prophecy – that of his own death. One of the ship's harpooners tells Ahab that before he dies, he'll see a coffin made of American wood that isn't his own, and that only hemp will kill him. Ahab finds some comfort in this prophecy, believing that there are no coffins at sea (as sailors are typically buried by being wrapped in their hammock and sent overboard) and that the hemp refers to a hangman's noose.
However, unbeknownst to Ahab, a coffin has indeed been made aboard the Pequod. When Queequeg falls ill and believes he's near death, a coffin is constructed for him from American wood. When Queequeg unexpectedly recovers, the coffin is sealed and used as a life preserver. This, along with the abundance of hemp ropes on the ship, sets the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy in a way Ahab doesn't anticipate.
The Chase Begins
As the Pequod sails around Cape Horn and into the Pacific Ocean, Ahab's search for Moby Dick intensifies. The ship encounters several other whaling vessels, each serving as a warning against the pursuit of the white whale. In total, there are nine of these encounters, and each can be read as an opportunity for Ahab to reconsider his mission. The captains of these ships have all encountered Moby Dick and lived to tell the tale because they made the reasonable decision to give up the chase rather than risk their ships and crews.
The most significant of these encounters is with a ship called the Rachel. As the two ships pass, Ahab learns that the Rachel's captain lost his son the previous day while trying to hunt Moby Dick. The boy fell overboard and hasn't been seen since. The Rachel's captain pleads with Ahab to join in the search for his lost son.
Ahab's response to this request reveals the extent of his obsession. Upon hearing that Moby Dick is so close, he becomes even more determined to continue his pursuit. He refuses to help search for the lost boy, a decision that horrifies some of his crew, particularly Starbuck. This callous choice is seen as yet another bad omen, further convincing some crew members that their mission is doomed.
The Final Confrontation
Not long after leaving the Rachel behind, the crew of the Pequod finally spots Moby Dick. What follows is a three-day chase, each day more disastrous than the last. Ahab leads the charge, taking the first boat out each day in his attempt to harpoon and kill the mighty whale.
On the first day, Moby Dick splits Ahab's boat in two with its powerful jaws. This initial encounter serves to demonstrate the whale's immense strength and the danger it poses to the crew. Despite this setback, Ahab's determination only grows stronger.
The second day brings even more destruction. Moby Dick destroys more boats and kills one of the harpooners. The loss of life and the increasing damage to the Pequod's whaling boats should serve as a clear warning to abandon the chase, but Ahab remains fixated on his goal.
The third and final day brings the ultimate confrontation. Moby Dick rams into the Pequod itself, causing catastrophic damage that sends the ship sinking to the bottom of the ocean. In the chaos, Ishmael, who was serving as an oarsman on Ahab's boat, is knocked overboard and left behind as Ahab continues his mad pursuit.
As the Pequod sinks, Ahab sees the coffin that was made for Queequeg emerge from the wreckage, fulfilling part of the prophecy about his death. In a final, desperate attempt, Ahab manages to get his harpoon into Moby Dick. However, in a twist of fate, the harpoon's line gets tangled around Ahab's neck. As the wounded whale flees, it drags Ahab down into the depths, fulfilling the rest of the prophecy – hemp indeed becomes the instrument of his death.
The Lone Survivor
In the aftermath of the Pequod's destruction, Ishmael finds himself the sole survivor of the ill-fated voyage. He manages to grab onto the floating coffin that had been made for Queequeg, using it as a life raft. For a full day, Ishmael floats among the sharks, surrounded by the debris of the Pequod and the bodies of his crewmates.
In a twist of irony, Ishmael is eventually rescued by the Rachel, the very ship whose plea for help Ahab had ignored. The Rachel, still searching for the captain's lost son, comes upon Ishmael and brings him aboard, saving his life and allowing him to live to tell the tale of the Pequod's doomed voyage.
Themes and Symbolism
"Moby Dick" is rich with themes and symbolism that have been analyzed and debated by scholars for generations. Some of the key themes include:
Obsession and Monomania: Ahab's single-minded pursuit of Moby Dick, to the exclusion of all else, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession.
Man vs. Nature: The novel explores humanity's relationship with the natural world, particularly through the whaling industry's exploitation of whales and the ocean.
Fate and Free Will: The use of omens and prophecies raises questions about whether the characters are in control of their destinies or are subject to fate.
Diversity and Tolerance: The diverse crew of the Pequod and Ishmael's friendship with Queequeg highlight themes of acceptance and understanding across cultural boundaries.
Knowledge vs. Destruction: Ishmael's thirst for knowledge about whales contrasts with Ahab's destructive pursuit, illustrating different ways of engaging with the world.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in the novel. Moby Dick himself can be interpreted in various ways – as a representation of the unconquerable forces of nature, as a blank canvas onto which Ahab projects his own obsessions, or even as a symbol of God or the divine.
The Pequod, with its diverse crew from all corners of the world, can be seen as a microcosm of human society. The ship's ultimate destruction could be interpreted as a commentary on the potential consequences of allowing a single, destructive obsession to guide an entire community.
Narrative Style and Structure
One of the most distinctive aspects of "Moby Dick" is its unique narrative style and structure. Melville alternates between straightforward narrative chapters that advance the plot and more discursive chapters that delve into various aspects of whales, whaling, and philosophical musings.
This structure can be challenging for some readers, as it often interrupts the flow of the story. However, it also serves to create a comprehensive portrait of the whaling world and allows Melville to explore his themes from multiple angles.
Ishmael's narrative voice is also noteworthy. He begins as an active participant in the story but gradually fades into the background as an observer, allowing other characters (particularly Ahab) to take center stage. Yet Ishmael's commentary and digressions remain a constant presence, providing context, analysis, and often humor throughout the novel.
The language of "Moby Dick" is rich and varied, ranging from the technical jargon of whaling to poetic descriptions of the sea and philosophical ponderings. Melville's use of varied literary techniques – including stage directions, soliloquies, and even a chapter structured as a scientific classification – adds to the novel's unique character.
Legacy and Influence
While "Moby Dick" was not initially successful, its reputation grew over time, and it is now considered one of the great American novels. Its influence can be seen in literature, film, and popular culture.
The character of Ahab, with his monomaniacal obsession, has become an archetype, often referenced in discussions of destructive single-mindedness. The white whale, Moby Dick, has entered the popular lexicon as a metaphor for an elusive, sought-after goal.
The novel's themes continue to resonate with modern readers. Its exploration of obsession, the relationship between humanity and nature, and the consequences of unchecked ambition remain relevant in today's world.
"Moby Dick" has been adapted into various media, including films, stage plays, and even an opera. While these adaptations often focus on the core plot of Ahab's pursuit of the whale, they rarely capture the full scope of Melville's discursive, philosophical novel.
Conclusion
Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" is a complex, multifaceted novel that defies easy categorization. On the surface, it's an adventure tale of a whaling expedition gone wrong. Dig deeper, and it's a philosophical exploration of obsession, fate, and humanity's place in the natural world.
Through the eyes of Ishmael, we witness Captain Ahab's descent into madness as he pursues his white whale. We learn about the intricacies of the whaling industry, the biology of whales, and the diverse cultures represented by the Pequod's crew. We ponder questions of free will and predestination, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The novel's unique structure, with its alternating narrative and discursive chapters, can be challenging but ultimately creates a rich, immersive reading experience. Melville's vivid prose brings the world of 19th-century whaling to life, while his philosophical musings give readers plenty to ponder.
In the end, "Moby Dick" is a tragedy of obsession. Ahab's single-minded pursuit of revenge leads to the destruction of his ship and the death of his entire crew, save one. Yet from this tragedy, Ishmael emerges as the lone survivor, left to tell the tale and perhaps serve as a warning to others about the dangers of allowing a single, destructive goal to consume one's life.
As readers, we are left to grapple with the novel's themes and questions. What drives a person to pursue a goal at all costs? How do we balance our desires against our responsibilities to others? What is our place in the natural world? These questions, as relevant today as they were in Melville's time, ensure that "Moby Dick" continues to captivate and challenge readers, cementing its place as a timeless classic of American literature.