Essay About Melville’S Literary Works And Moby-Dick

Moby-Dick
Moby-Dick
Hawthorne and His Mosses and Moby-Dick are brought together through several themes that are reflected in both of Melville’s literary works. The correlating themes that are illustrated in both works compliment one another and help in understanding Ishmael’s first person narrative of his experience at sea. In the four themes that are represented in Moby-Dick, each one has a lesson that the reader can apply to situations of new surroundings despite the adversities one may encounter. Defiance is the first theme that is illustrated through Ahab’s imprudent decision-making and selfish attitude. The shrouded “blackness” is represented by Ahab’s clouded vision and determination to hunt down the white whale regardless of his crews’ objection to his obsession. Endangering the lives of his men and foregoing the desire of the Pequod’s owners, Ahab’s sense of reason is distorted by his quest to hunt down Moby Dick, for personal satisfaction. In spite of Ahab’s defiance, the captain found his joy in pursuing the illustrious white whale. Melville also talked about finding contentment in life as he wrote, “Take that joy to yourself, in your own generation; and so shall he feel those grateful impulses” (Melville 2269), even if those impulses result in death, as with Captain Ahab. The developing friendship between Queequeg and Ishmael is the second theme that parallels with Hawthorne and His Mosses, as the course of the story demonstrates a maturing bond of similarities despite obvious differences. The revelation that “…only by cunning glimpses will she reveal herself” (Melville 2265) is symbolized by Ishmael’s developing understanding of the characters that he encounters. The perception of Queequeg as a pagan transforms as the two progress into a new friendship revealing to Ishmael that by his Christian understanding he should treat his new bosom friend, as he would want to be treated also for “that is the will of God” (Melville 2281). Duty is another theme that Melville touches upon as the crew of the Pequod is confronted with decisions concerning their quest and their lives as they chase after the white whale. “The Spirit of all Beauty, which ubiquitously possesses men of genius” (Melville 2261) is demonstrated in Moby-Dick as the white whale. Whether fear or fascination, there is an uncanny presence that