Moby Dick
Symbolism dominates literature. Without it, the author is handcuffed and is left without a highly effective tool to convey his or her message. By using symbolism, an author can still maintain an objective appearance by letting the literary device do its work in expressing views, relaying opinions or simply stating the facts. We encounter a great deal of symbolism in Herman Melville's "". The book itself is a clear representation of the American society, its values, goals and inhabitants, as well as numerous other issues that Melville sought to challenge or come to terms with.
Melville's careful assembly of the characters for the crew of the "Pequod" was done with a specific purpose in ...
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story. It is a representation, but even more importantly, - a challenge to American virtues and ideas. In chapter 35 we encounter a scene where Starbuck, the first mate, learns of Ahab's intent to pursue the White Whale to satisfy his lust for vengeance. Starbuck's reaction to this turn of events is to question his captain's motives and protest. For his purpose of the journey is to make money. To Starbuck whaling is a mean of income and anything else is madness. A born and bred Nantucketer, he firmly believes in the rules of capitalism and financial motivation. "...but I came here to hunt whales, not my commanders vengeance. How many barrels will thy vengeance yield thee even if thou gettest it, captain Ahab? It will not fetch thee much in our Nantucket market."(, Chapter 35). It is at this point that Ahab utters the words that issue a direct challenge, striking at the very foundation of American civilization. In essence, Ahab throws aside business and profit. "Nantucket ...
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is to understand the reason behind his ambition translating into obsession. Growing up in the age of post-Independence War expansion, Ahab was directly subjected to the American expansionistic ideals and capitalistic virtues. He becomes a part of the process of material progress growth, devoting all his energy to mastering a dangerous and difficult craft.
However, by ascending the ladder of business, Ahab continuously finds himself seeking to challenge his work, his personal life and the opinions of the people around him. Personally, I view Ahab not as an unstable personality, but rather as a product of the life that he lives. His "rise to stardom" has in turn led Ahab to personal ...
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Moby Dick. (2005, February 12). Retrieved November 29, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Moby-Dick/22101
"Moby Dick." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 12 Feb. 2005. Web. 29 Nov. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Moby-Dick/22101>
"Moby Dick." Essayworld.com. February 12, 2005. Accessed November 29, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Moby-Dick/22101.
"Moby Dick." Essayworld.com. February 12, 2005. Accessed November 29, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Moby-Dick/22101.
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