Spirituality in "Moby Dick"

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how, although "Moby Dick" is ostensibly about whaling and the whaling industry, much of the text is about the religious and spiritual search for meaning. The paper discusses the use of Biblical names and the symbolism throughout the book and concludes that whatever position one takes about the deeper meaning and mystery of this novel, "Moby Dick" will remain a much debated work.

From the Paper:

"The religious aspects of the book are also furthered by the use of Biblical names. These names have direct reference to the Bible and to the central theme of the search for spiritual meaning. For example, Ishmael is, in a spiritual and existential sense, in exile or separated from the conventional understanding of religion. He rejects the conventional religious views of the society in which he lives and his decision to go to sea in a symbolic act, which refers to the need to search for meaning and God."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chase, R., Melville: A collection of Critical Essays. New York:Prentice-Hall Inc,1962
• Holman Bible Dictionary " CANAAN, HISTORY AND RELIGION OF. November 13, 2007. http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T1127
• Howard, Leon, Herman Melville. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1951.
• Long J. ROVING 'TWIXT LAND AND SEA: HERMAN MELVILLE, JOSEPH CONRAD, AND THE MARITIME WORLD-SYSTEM. November 13, 2007. <http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04052006-145017/unrestricted/Long_thesis.pdf.>
• Mansfield, Luther S. and Howard P. Vincent, eds. Moby Dick Or, the Whale. New York: Hendricks House, 1952.

More papers on Spirituality in "Moby Dick":

• Analytical Essay # 28084 : "Moby Dick"
• Book Review # 109412 : "Mythology in "Moby Dick"
• Analytical Essay # 29814 : "Captain Ahab in 'Moby-Dick'"

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