Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: A Classic Tale of Obsession and Whaling
Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick or, The Whale is a novel first published in 1851 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American literature. This book can also be described as an encyclopedia of whaling, offering a deep dive into the world of whale hunting. Melville crafted a truly unique and multifaceted work, though it initially did not bring him much success. However, today it stands as one of the most highly esteemed pieces of literature.
Book Review - Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Read
I would describe Moby-Dick as a dense and challenging novel, but one that still manages to captivate the reader and keep you invested in the unfolding events. It’s a book that occasionally injects moments of excitement, making it hard to put down despite its complexity. In the translator’s preface, it’s noted that Melville’s work is considered “one of the ten most difficult and heavy books in the world.” I can agree with this assessment, as the novel demands the reader’s full attention and is often slow-paced due to its detailed descriptions and philosophical tangents.
That said, despite its reputation as a heavy read, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was able to finish it. It’s worth noting that I’ve only abandoned two books in my life, and Moby-Dick was not one of them.
Beyond its narrative, Moby-Dick is also one of the best books ever written about seafaring, sailors, and particularly whaling. It can be described as a comprehensive encyclopedia of whaling, offering an unparalleled look into the industry.
The Plot of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick
At its core, Moby-Dick is a story about seafaring and whaling. The narrator introduces himself in the very first sentence: “Call me Ishmael.” Ishmael is a sailor who travels to Nantucket Island on the east coast of the United States to join a whaling ship. At a local inn, he meets Queequeg, a harpooner from a cannibal tribe, and the two quickly become friends. Queequeg is a skilled harpooner, a crucial role on whaling ships, responsible for hunting and killing whales.
Together, Ishmael and Queequeg sign onto the Pequod, a whaling ship preparing to set sail. Whaling ships like the Pequod typically spent three to four years at sea, hunting sperm whales, harvesting their oil, and returning home with their cargo. Initially, Ishmael and Queequeg believe their mission is purely commercial. However, once at sea, they discover that their captain, Ahab, has a different agenda.
Ahab, who lost his leg in a previous encounter with a giant white sperm whale named Moby Dick, is consumed by a singular obsession: to find and kill the whale. What begins as a quest for revenge transforms into a maddening obsession that threatens to doom the entire crew. The only voice of reason on the ship is Starbuck, the first mate, but even he is powerless against Ahab’s monomaniacal drive.
 |
| Illustration from an early edition of Moby-Dick |
Moby-Dick: An Encyclopedia of Whaling
Beyond the story of Ishmael, Ahab, and the Pequod, Moby-Dick serves as an exhaustive encyclopedia of whaling. Melville meticulously researched whales and whaling, drawing from ancient sources and his own firsthand experiences as a sailor. He provides detailed accounts of how whales are hunted, captured, and processed, as well as the extraction and storage of spermaceti, the valuable oil found in the heads of sperm whales.
For modern readers, the idea of hunting whales for their oil might seem strange. However, in the 19th century, spermaceti was a highly prized commodity used to make candles and provide lighting. Melville’s descriptions offer a fascinating glimpse into this now-obsolete industry.
Here are two quotes from the book that stood out to me:
“Doubtless one leading reason why the world declines honoring us whalemen, is this: they think that, at best, our vocation amounts to a butchering sort of business; and that when actively engaged therein, we are surrounded by all manner of defilements. Butchers we are, that is true. But butchers, also, and butchers of the bloodiest badge have been all Martial Commanders whom the world invariably delights to honor.”
“Why did the Dutch in De Witt’s time have admirals of their whaling fleets? Why did Louis XVI. of France, at his own personal expense, fit out whaling ships from Dunkirk, and politely invite to that town some score or two of families from our own island of Nantucket? Why did Britain between the years 1750 and 1788 pay to her whalemen in bounties upwards of £1,000,000? And lastly, how comes it that we whalemen of America now outnumber all the rest of the banded whalemen in the world; sail a navy of upwards of seven hundred vessels; manned by eighteen thousand men; yearly consuming 4,000,000 of dollars; the ships worth, at the time of sailing, $20,000,000; and every year importing into our harbors a well reaped harvest of $7,000,000. How comes all this, if there be not something puissant in whaling?”
In addition to these insights, Melville also classifies whales, describes their anatomy, and explains the intricacies of whaling in great detail. He frequently references literary works like Shakespeare’s plays and the Bible, with one of the most striking references being to the story of Jonah and the whale.
Who Is the Main Character of Moby-Dick?
At the beginning of the novel, it’s easy to assume that Ishmael is the main character, as the story is told from his perspective. However, as the narrative progresses, Captain Ahab takes center stage, and Ishmael fades into the background. Ahab’s obsession with hunting Moby Dick becomes the driving force of the story, overshadowing everything else.
Moby Dick himself is a legendary white sperm whale, known for his aggression toward whalers and his role in the destruction of numerous ships and lives. For much of the novel, Moby Dick is like a ghost, elusive and omnipresent in Ahab’s mind. Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the whale across vast oceans is both a testament to his determination and a manifestation of his madness.
Final Thoughts on Moby-Dick
Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is a novel I’ve long wanted to read, and I’m glad to have finally crossed it off my list. It’s a masterpiece that combines adventure, philosophy, and meticulous detail about the whaling industry. While it’s undeniably a challenging read, it’s also incredibly rewarding for those who stick with it.
About the Book:
- Title: Moby-Dick or, The Whale
- Author: Herman Melville
- First Published: 1851
- Publisher: Harper & Brothers
- Number of Pages: Varies by edition (typically around 600-700 pages)
This review is part of my ongoing journey to explore and appreciate the classics. Moby-Dick is a book that demands patience and attention, but for those willing to dive into its depths, it offers an unforgettable experience.
See also: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Timeless Tale of Love, Ambition, and the American Dream
