Abstract This paper approaches the novel "Moby Dick" from several vantage points. It analyzes Ahab's pursuit of Moby Dick from a religious and psychological perspective. The author also explores the other crew members' impression of whales and what they represent. The whales are given a pseudo-humanity and so reflect the same range of good and bad as do human beings.
From the Paper "Allegory is a strong element in Melville's Moby Dick, the primary allegory being the battle of good against evil on the sea of life. Melville develops conceptions of good and evil and imbeds them as allegory in the events of the novel. At the same time, this theme is developed with images of entrapment and enclosure representing the plight of man in the universe as well as the specific plight of the crew of the Pequod. In Moby Dick, the physical journey that takes place in search of whales becomes a spiritual journey on the part of Captain Ahab as he searches for the white whale, which represents his own inner turmoil. He and every member of his crew are entrapped on the Pequod, surrounded by the dangers of the sea, but each man is also surrounded by spiritual dangers which and the constant threat of death."
Abstract This paper compares the similarities of two literary characters. More specifically, the paper compares and contrasts the character of Ahab from Herman Mellville's "Moby Dick" with the character of Julius Caesar from Shakespeare's famous story of the same name. The paper concludes that like "Moby Dick", "Julius Caesar" is a historical incident which Shakespeare puts meaning into in retrospect, imbuing the characters with traits which we admire or hate and placing around them others who seemingly act only in accordance with fate.
Outline:
Ways in which Ahab and Julius are similar
Ways in which Ahab and Julius Caesar are different
From the Paper "Caesar is hard to like. Ahab is also hard to like, but he appears more sympathetic as he is so dogged in his quest of the white whale. Ahab is shown to be a brooding and dark character that we sometimes see in literature, ambiguously evil, yet we sympathize with his madness. He sacrifices everything, including his life and his crew to capture Moby Dick, whom he has sought for so long: "Now it was that there lurked a something in the old man's eyes, which it was hardly sufferable for feeble souls to see. As the unsetting polar star, which through the livelong, arctic, six months' night sustains its piercing, steady, central gaze; so Ahab's purpose now fixedly gleamed down upon the constant midnight of the gloomy crew." (Melville, Chapter 130).
"The book Moby Dick is about a quest and a challenge to the universe in which Ahab lives. He will fight it to the death because he believes he can conquer it. He does not know that no matter how big he may be, it is bigger than he, but he will die in the attempt. "He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it." (Melville, Chapter 135). Like Moby Dick, Julius Caesar is a historical incident which Shakespeare puts meaning into in retrospect, imbuing the characters with traits which we admire or hate and placing around them others who seemingly act only in accordance with fate."
Abstract This paper provides an historical overview and an in-depth look at one of the most famous murder cases of all times. The author of the life after prison for Evelyn Dick. Many photos are also included.
From the Paper "The Torso murder case is one of the most sensationalized and talked about murder cases in Canadian history. At the time the story was a journalist's dream, a story of scandal, mystery and the bizarre. The case became front-page material for months on end. Not only the public, but also the journalistic and publishing communities, were enthralled by the case. Now more than half a century after the crime was committed, the Evelyn Dick case still arouses much public interest. It seems, however, the public remains largely unaware of what the details of the case actually were and what transpired legally after the dismembered body of John Dick was recovered."
Abstract A discussion of the similarities and differences between Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick'. It compares the stories' content and characters as well as their literary properties. It discusses the similarity between the main themes as well as the narrator's significance. It includes several excerpts form both books and analyzes them. Finally, it concludes that Coleridge and Melville seem to be delivering the same message. They urge us, as humans to accept the mysteries of the universe, however harsh we find them, or we will end up destroying ourselves.
From the Paper "'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and 'Moby Dick' by Herman Melville are rich in thematic parallels. Both works are highly symbolic and are centered on the sea, which can be equated with the sea of life. Both stories are dramatic, fantastic, exciting and full of supernatural portent. Symbolism seen through nature is a major theme in both as the Mariner and Ahab share monomanical obsessions with albatross and whale. Both works are narrated by the only soul to survive the experience and both narrators, Ishmael and the Mariner with his "glittering eye"( Coleridge l. 13) can be imagined to be similar strange figures who might corner a listener to tell the tale which haunts him. Both Ishmael whose liferaft is a coffin and the Mariner, whose skeleton ship disintegrates are ghostly reminders of their creators advice about dealing with life's mysteries."
Abstract This paper critiques and reviews Dick Morris' 1996 book, "Behind the Oval Office" about the presidency of Bill Clinton. The paper discusses the book's portrayal of the professional relationship between Morris and Clinton and examines key issues such as Morris' evaluation of Clinton.
From the Paper "Dick Morris's account of what he refers to as President Bill Clinton's comeback in the presidential election in the wake of the midterm elections in which the Republican Party took over a majority in both houses of Congress is part melodrama, part history and part confessional. Most of all however it develops into something of a handbook or instruction manual for shaping strategy or the big picture and tactics or implementation of big-picture goals during the American electoral process. That is not to suggest that Morris'..."
Abstract This literary essay details Herman Melville's use of blasphemy and blasphemous images in the novel "Moby Dick". The paper further discusses how it leads to Ahab's eventual downfall.
From the Paper "Many struggle to ever find religion in their life or understand its meaning and purpose on a personal level. In a time of crisis for those spiritual ones that do find religion, faith in a higher power can be questioned, leaving a person lost in existential deliberations or possibly cursing the heavens in anger. This topic of religious abandonment and the consequential sacrilegious actions that may follow has been explored in several works of literature. In Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick, Captain Ahab's blasphemies, which include his extreme vengeance for Moby Dick, his relationship with the dark Fedallah, and his numerous impious actions toward God, result in his ultimate downfall."
Abstract As one of the most popular and criticized books of the past, we can find many books and hundreds of articles on Melville and Moby Dick. Written in 1851, "Moby-Dick'' tells the story of whaling and of the hunt for Moby-Dick, a fierce white whale known to the sailors of Melville's time. This paper provides a highly selective list of biographical and critical studies where articles on "Moby Dick" appear, and a summary of each article.
From the Paper "Michael V Adams in his article "Whaling and Difference: Moby-Dick Deconstructed" published in the New Orleans Review (1983) analyzes the myth of Moby Dick. He presents the allure of the whale and what makes it so fascinating to the Captain's like Ahab. He covers the basic myth through a study of the society and times and suggests how the whale came to dominate Ahab. By demystifying Moby, Adams creates a more inherent understanding of Ahab and allows the reader to perceive the whole event in a more human manner and thus, more acceptable."
Abstract This paper discusses the common themes in mythology reflecting the fears, emotions and flaws of the human mind as well as the classic struggle against horrible creatures with the power and potential to destroy those who are unfortunate enough to cross paths with the beasts. The paper specifically focuses on the mythological story of "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. It discusses not only Moby Dick as a horrible creature, but also the obsession that Ahab has with the whale and his view of it as the root of all evil in the world.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ahab's Obsession Explained
What Moby Dick Represents Symbolically
Moby Dick as Mythological Creature
Conclusion
From the Paper "More than just a whale, even the most horrible whale that ever existed, Moby Dick symbolizes much more in this story. Again, Ahab has made the whale the symbol of all of the problems he has ever encountered, and feels that by killing the whale, he will gain true emotional freedom. Obviously, it is impossible for a whale to have caused all of these problems for a human being, but in portraying the whale this way, Ahab is also shown as a symbol in himself. In this instance, Ahab can be viewed as all of the hatred and ignorance of man, represented in one physical being. If, as is intended, the story of "Moby Dick" is to be interpreted as mythology, then Ahab can be seen as a symbol for negative human emotions and reactions to the world around them, just as much earlier tales of mythology used various gods and even inanimate objects or forces of nature to represent something else."
Abstract The paper states that "Moby Dick" tells a story of obsession, with the object of Ahab's obsession being Moby Dick, the White Whale who cut of Ahab's leg. The paper discusses that the central character in the story is Ishmael who is curious about the White Whale. The author believes that Pequod is symbolic of human life adrift on the dangerous sea, and the White Whale is the unnatural symbol of death that seeks out the ship and destroys it.
From the Paper "The different members of the crew each have their own personal journey where the physical and the spiritual meet, and this multiplicity of reasons reflects the dominant idea that each action in this world can have many causes and many consequences. For Ishmael, the telling of the story is announced in the first line, "Call me Ishmael" (29). For Ahab, the entire journey is directed to one goal--to find Moby Dick. Stubb tells him that as long as they are making this trip, they should capture other whales and fill the casks as they would do on a "normal" voyage. Ishmael is also on a spiritual journey: he is perhaps the most aware individual on the ship. His specific purpose in going to sea is to learn about life and to achieve a closer connection with the natural world and the world of man both, though at first he speaks as if his journey is only a way to break the routine:"
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Moby Dick," written by Herman Melville. The paper discusses the many references to the Bible and the Christian perspective that can be found in the book. It then describes the author's own ideas and personal relationship to God, as well as his perspective and reactions as he read the book "Moby Dick."
From the Paper "My grandfather used to do construction work on tall buildings. Sometimes, he would be ten or twelve or fifteen floors up, walking across two-by-fours and narrow planks stretched across like bridges. A fall to the bottom could kill him. Somebody afraid of height couldn't do it. But somebody with no fear at all was no good either. He said, "You wanted to work with a calm person when you were up there--somebody steady with good sense--who wouldn't do anything sudden-like. You didn't want to be with somebody who might forget where they were and do something stupid." The ideal partner in a dangerous situation is what Melville calls "careful.""
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper discusses the prevalent theme of fate in the novel "Moby Dick," by Herman Melville. The writer points out that the whale as a symbol of fate goes back to the story of Jonah and that the tradition of using nature as a symbol of fate started in the book of Job. Much of the symbolism in the novel is religious in character and the writer draws several parallels with the book of Job. The writer concludes that trying to distinguish good from evil and keeping faith in achieving the good even in the midst of unnecessary evil is what makes one human and makes life meaningful, and that this is the message of "Moby Dick."
From the Paper "One of the prevalent questions in the book is "what happens if Ahab actually catches the white whale? In this sense, if the whale was caught, Ahab's purpose of life would be accomplished, thus meaning his life would no longer have a purpose. However, the whale is not caught, thus showing that people in general always need something to reach for in life. Further, this concept of the unattainable white whale shows that a life goal can destroy one if it is allowed to take over all other worldly concerns. This occurs in the situation of Ahab and is symbolized in the book when he throws his pipe overboard, as the pipe symbolized happiness to Ahab."
Tags: Thoreau, symbolic, contrast, connotation, obsession, struggle, God
Abstract This paper examines the character of Captain Ahab as a tragic hero in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". The author discusses the criteria for a tragic hero and how Ahab fits each criterion. The paper looks at how Captain Ahab's weakness turned him away from success, and how he recognized his personal suffering.
From the Paper "Captain Ahab is a man of substance, or outstanding in a positive way. He is also turned aside from success due to his own weakness of character. This weakness of character causes him to suffer which in turn this suffering causes Ahab to find recognition of himself and discover what is happening to him. He also causes the sensitive and intelligent reader to feel a sense of waste. Ahab causes a disruption in a system of order as well. He is classified as a paradoxical figure and shows sign of humanity. With two proofs or more for each of the eight criteria of a tragic hero Captain Ahab proves himself to be a more than adequate tragic hero in Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick. "
Abstract An analysis of the writing style of Richard Rodriguez in "Aria: Memories of a Bilingual Childhood" and how his environment growing up influenced his writing style. The paper presents a close look at the significance of diction, parallelism and personification within this work. The paper concludes with a relation to Dick Gregory's "Shame" with parallels between the two.
From the Paper "The separation of a child from the masses because of language differences will not produce an identity; rather one must feel accepted to receive an identity. The diction throughout creates a vivid image of insecurity and alienation. Rodriguez effectively gets his position of anti-bilingual education across through the experiences of an innocent, na?ve child. The comparisons of private and public life reflect the contrast between English and Spanish. A thorough and compassionate insight into the past accomplishes the purpose of influencing a supporter of bilingual education to change his mind to the views that being exposed to the dominance of English will lead to success later in life. Rodriguez's "Aria: memories of a bilingual childhood" utilizes contrasting diction, parallelism, and personification to convey a melancholy tone of alienation and insecurity towards his own bilingual childhood, which eventually shifts to an acceptance to American society."
Abstract This essay looks at how F. Scott Fitzgerald's character Dick Diver from "Tender is the Night" takes on characteristics of both Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway from Fitzgerald's ?The Great Gatsby.? The author compares and contrasts the characters and shows that all three men learned that the reality of the past is something that cannot be avoided, only delayed.
From the Paper "F. Scott Fitzgerald was a mosaic of the characters he created. Fitzgerald, himself, can be found in Jay Gatsby, Nick Callaway, and Dick Diver. His own personal history reflects those he gave his characters, drinking habits, social status, and affluence (Brief pg). The life style of the 1920's in Paris is one that Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda experienced and is woven into his novel ?Tender is the Night.? Fitzgerald's stories often reveal the lives of the "have"s? and ?have nots,? the lifestyle and near decadence of the rich compared to the common middle classes (Brief pg). Moreover, Fitzgerald always seems to distinguish between the "old money" and the ?new,? the aristocrats and the nouveau rich. His writings reflect his awareness of his own middle class status and his struggle to overcome humble beginnings. Fitzgerald seems to model his "old money" characters after Zelda's family and acquaintances, the comfortably rich, accustomed to protocol for all occasions (Brief pg). A theme that rings in most of Fitzgerald's work is one of inevitable truth. That no matter how successful one becomes, no matter how much money one may earn, no matter how well one learns to use the power of money and status, the true self inevitably surfaces sooner or later. Jay Gatsby, Nick Callaway, and Dick Diver all experience this moment of truth when they can no longer deny who and what they are."
