1. Pretend that you are Ishmael. Write a two-page report of an event at your school, or in the community, emulating as closely as possible his narrative style. 2. If you could interview any of the characters halfway through the novel, which one would you choose? What would you like […]
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1. Discuss the role of diversity as it affects the theme of friendship in the novel. 2. Consider the characters of Ishmael, Starbuck, and Ahab. Which are static characters, and which ones grow or change throughout the novel? How is this growth (or lack of growth) shown? 3. What does […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsStudy Help Full Glossary for Moby-Dick
abashed embarrassed, self-conscious. abated made less in amount, degree, or force. ablutions washing of the body, often ritualistic. abridged condensed, shortened but keeping the main contents. abstemious characterized by abstinence. affidavit a written statement made under oath. aft near or toward the stern (rear) of a ship. Albatross a large, […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for Moby-DickCritical Essays Major Symbols in Moby-Dick
Introduction Symbols in literature are usually objects used to represent or suggest important concepts that inform and expand our appreciation of the work. Moby-Dick offers some of the most widely known symbols in American literature. Being widely known, however, does not imply that the symbols are simple or easy to […]
Read more Critical Essays Major Symbols in Moby-DickCritical Essays Major Themes of Moby-Dick
Introduction In a work of literature, a theme is a recurring, unifying subject or idea, a motif that helps us understand a work of art better. With a novel as richly ambiguous as Moby-Dick, we look at themes as guides, but it is important to be flexible while we do […]
Read more Critical Essays Major Themes of Moby-DickHerman Melville Biography
Early Years and Education Herman Melville was born on August 1, 1819, the third of eight children. His father, Allan Melvill (the family changed the spelling of the last name around 1838) was of unsteady temperament but a prosperous importer and merchant in New York City. His mother, Maria Gansevoort, […]
Read more Herman Melville BiographyCharacter Analysis Father Mapple
A venerable, vigorous man of God, Father Mapple sets the tone for the novel in his sermon at the Whaleman’s Chapel (Chapter 9). A harpooner in his youth, the parson frequently alludes to the imagery of seamen in his sermon, referring to the congregation, for example, as his “shipmates.” Ascending […]
Read more Character Analysis Father MappleCharacter Analysis Fedallah
The leader of the “five dusky phantoms,” whom Ahab has secretly brought aboard to serve as his private boat crew, is the mysterious Fedallah, who serves as the captain’s harpooner. An ancient Asian, he is reported to be a Parsee — a member of a religious sect descended from the […]
Read more Character Analysis FedallahCharacter Analysis Starbuck
The first mate is the only man aboard the Pequod who resists Ahab’s plan to devote the ship’s mission to hunting and killing the White Whale. Starbuck contrasts with Ahab in his spirit and manner. Where Ahab is bombastic, outrageous, and monomaniac, Starbuck is prudent, calm, and reasonable. But he […]
Read more Character Analysis StarbuckCharacter Analysis Queequeg
The amiable Polynesian harpooner contributes significantly to the themes of friendship and diversity in the novel. Although Queequeg is a heathen, by Christian definition, Ishmael increasingly notices the man’s independent dignity, good heart, extraordinary courage, and generous spirit. Queequeg’s body is covered with tattoos, and Ishmael initially assumes that the […]
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