🪶American Literature – Before 1860 Unit 14 – Melville's Maritime Literature

Key Themes and Motifs

• Exploration of the human condition through the lens of maritime life and the sea
• Duality of man's nature encompassing both good and evil, civilization and savagery
• Isolation and alienation experienced by individuals in the vastness of the ocean
  • Physical and psychological separation from society and norms
  • Inner struggles and psychological turmoil of characters
• Quest for knowledge and understanding of the self and the world
• Man's relationship with nature, particularly the sea as a powerful and unpredictable force
  • Nature as a reflection of the human psyche and its complexities
  • Struggle between man and the elements, testing physical and mental limits
• Critique of societal norms, hierarchies, and institutions
  • Examination of power dynamics and oppression within the microcosm of the ship
• Spiritual and metaphysical themes, questioning the existence of a higher power and the meaning of life

Historical Context

• Rise of American maritime industry and whaling in the 19th century
  • Economic importance of whaling and its impact on coastal communities
  • Technological advancements in shipbuilding and navigation
• Expansion of American territory and influence through maritime exploration and trade
• Social and political climate of the antebellum period
  • Growing tensions between the North and South over slavery and states' rights
  • Philosophical and intellectual movements (Transcendentalism, Romanticism)
• Influence of Puritan and Calvinist beliefs on American society and literature
• Impact of the Gold Rush and westward expansion on the American psyche
• Global political and economic shifts, such as the opening of Japan to Western trade

Major Works and Plot Summaries

• "Moby-Dick" (1851): Epic novel following the voyage of the whaling ship Pequod and its captain's obsessive hunt for a legendary white whale
  • Explores themes of obsession, fate, and the nature of evil
  • Symbolic and allegorical elements woven throughout the narrative
• "Billy Budd, Sailor" (1891): Novella set on a British naval ship, examining the conflict between good and evil, and the consequences of adhering to strict moral codes
  • Addresses themes of justice, innocence, and the corruption of power
• "Benito Cereno" (1855): Novella based on a real-life slave revolt, exploring issues of race, power, and the deceptive nature of appearances
• "The Encantadas" (1854): Collection of sketches describing the Galápagos Islands, reflecting on the harsh beauty of nature and the human condition
• "Typee" (1846) and "Omoo" (1847): Semi-autobiographical novels drawing from Melville's experiences in the South Pacific, critiquing Western civilization and its impact on indigenous cultures

Character Analysis

• Captain Ahab ("Moby-Dick"): Complex and monomaniacal figure driven by his obsessive desire for revenge against the white whale
  • Embodies the theme of man's hubris and the destructive nature of unchecked passion
  • Symbolic of the human struggle against fate and the unknowable
• Ishmael ("Moby-Dick"): Narrator and observer, serving as a lens through which the reader experiences the story
  • Represents the search for meaning and understanding in a chaotic world
  • Undergoes a spiritual and philosophical journey throughout the novel
• Billy Budd ("Billy Budd, Sailor"): Innocent and pure-hearted sailor, whose inherent goodness is tested by the harsh realities of naval life
  • Symbolizes the inherent goodness of man and the corruption of innocence
• Claggart ("Billy Budd, Sailor"): Master-at-arms, embodying the concept of pure evil and malice
  • Represents the destructive power of envy and the corruption of authority
• Queequeg ("Moby-Dick"): Skilled harpooner and Ishmael's loyal friend, challenging Western stereotypes of the "savage"
  • Embodies the idea of the "noble savage" and the inherent humanity of all individuals

Symbolism and Imagery

• The white whale ("Moby-Dick"): Multifaceted symbol representing God, nature, fate, and the unknowable
  • Embodies the duality of creation and destruction, beauty and terror
  • Reflects the human struggle to comprehend and conquer the forces that shape our lives
• The sea: Powerful and unpredictable force, mirroring the complexities of the human psyche
  • Represents the vast unknown and the challenges of self-discovery
  • Serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and the search for meaning
• Ships and voyages: Microcosms of society and the human experience
  • Reflect the hierarchies, power dynamics, and conflicts within human communities
  • Symbolize the individual's journey of self-discovery and transformation
• Tattoos and scars: Outward manifestations of inner struggles and experiences
  • Represent the indelible marks left by life's trials and tribulations
• Whiteness: Complex and ambiguous symbol, associated with purity, divinity, and emptiness
  • Reflects the duality of good and evil, the known and the unknown
  • Challenges traditional associations of whiteness with innocence and goodness

Writing Style and Techniques

• Richly descriptive and evocative language, immersing readers in the maritime world
• Use of allegory and symbolism to convey deeper philosophical and spiritual meanings
  • Layered narratives that invite multiple interpretations and analyses
• Incorporation of various literary genres and styles (epic, dramatic, poetic)
  • Blending of fiction and non-fiction elements, drawing from personal experiences and historical accounts
• Psychological depth and introspection in character development
  • Stream-of-consciousness techniques to explore characters' inner thoughts and motivations
• Intertextuality and allusions to classical literature, mythology, and religious texts
  • Enriches the narrative and adds depth to the themes and symbols
• Experimentation with narrative structure and form
  • Non-linear storytelling, digressions, and shifts in perspective
  • Use of framed narratives and multiple narrators

Literary Influences and Connections

• Influence of Romanticism and its emphasis on individualism, emotion, and the sublime
  • Exploration of the human psyche and the power of nature
• Transcendentalist philosophy and its focus on self-reliance, intuition, and the divine in nature
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau as contemporaries and influences
• Biblical and religious allusions, particularly to the Old Testament and Puritan theology
  • Themes of providence, sin, and redemption woven throughout the works
• Shakespearean themes and character archetypes
  • Tragic heroes, internal conflicts, and the exploration of the human condition
• Influence on later American literature, particularly in the development of the novel as a form
  • Impact on authors such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Cormac McCarthy

Critical Reception and Legacy

• Initial mixed reviews and commercial failure of some works during Melville's lifetime
  • Lack of understanding and appreciation for the depth and complexity of his writing
• Rediscovery and reappraisal of Melville's work in the early 20th century
  • Recognition of his innovative style, psychological depth, and philosophical themes
  • Establishment of Melville as a central figure in the American literary canon
• Influence on the development of modernist and postmodernist literature
  • Experimentation with form, narrative structure, and symbolism
  • Exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in a chaotic world
• Enduring relevance and universality of Melville's themes and ideas
  • Continued examination and interpretation of his works through various critical lenses (feminist, postcolonial, ecocritical)
• Adaptation and reinterpretation of Melville's works in various media (film, theater, visual arts)
  • Testament to the richness and adaptability of his storytelling and themes