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[[File:Moby Dick one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Herman Melville]]__NOTOC__Herman Melville's <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393285006/ref=as_li_tl?ie=IntroductionUTF8&camp=1789&creative=There are many candidates for the title of the ‘Great American Novel’. One of the book’s that is often cited as the greatest American novel of all time is ‘Moby Dick’ 9325&creativeASIN=0393285006&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b4c55d8d7996ba589e02a187eb6e441a Moby Dick]</i> (1851). This is not only one of the best-known novel but most important works of fiction in the English language and has been translated into almost every languageUnited States history. It While Melville's book is perhaps not only the most famous novel about whaling but also the most famous novel about the sea that was ever written. A popular Hollywood movieundoubtedly fiction, starring Gregory Peck, based on the novel was made in 1967 and the work also inspired he drew widely from his experiences as a mini-series, starring Ethan Hawke (2011). The story of the obsessive Captain Ahab whaler and his pursuit some incredible stories of the White Whale have entered the popular imaginationremarkably dangerous 19th-century whales. This article will discuss if the novel His book is based on a real-an extraordinarily accurate depiction of life historical event and figuresat sea.

==The author of Unsurprisingly for work as prominent as Moby Dick==Herman Melville, the author of the novel (1819-1892) was born in New York, it has been turned into an affluent familya movie, his father a merchant died when he was quite young. This left Melville starring Gregory Peck and his family in a precarious financial position and dependent on relatives. The young man signed up to serve on a whaling ship and went to sea in 1840 onmini-board a whaling shipseries, starring Ethan Hawke (2011). Recently, even one of the stories that inspired the novel was turned into the movie In the 19th century, whales were hunted for their oil. While at sea Heart of the young Melville had many adventures <ref> Delbanco, Andrew, Melville: His World and Work Sea (New York: Knopf, 20052015), p 23</ref>. In 1841 he jumped ship in Tahiti starring Chris Hemsworth and later joined another whalerdirected by Ron Howard. He became involved in a mutiny on board this ship So what real events and was briefly jailed. experiences inspired Melville served as an ordinary seaman on a US Navy frigate before he eventually returned home. Soon he became a full-time writer and had great success with his first novel Typee, based on his own adventures<ref>Delbanco, p 145to write </refi>. His later works were not commercially successful and the book that he is best known for, Moby Dick was a complete failure. Melville was obliged to work as a custom’s official and continued to write poetry and prose, but they were largely ignored. He died penniless and forgotten in 1891 in New York. Since then his fame has grown and his novels, short stories, and poems are regarded not only as classics of American literature but of World literature<ref>Delbanco, p 112</refi>. [[File:Moby Dick one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Herman Melville]]?

====The plot author of the novelMoby Dick====The Herman Melville, the author of the novel opens with the narrator Ishmael looking for (1819-1892), was born in New York, into an affluent family, his father a ship, merchant died when he is was quite young. His father's death left Melville and his family in a precarious financial position and dependent on relatives. The young man who is seeking a purpose in life. He signs signed up to serve on a whaling ship and went to sea in 1840 on-board a whaling ship. Throughout the Pequod ,in Nantucket19th century,whales were hunted for their valuable oil. The captain of  While at sea the young Melville had many adventures.<ref>Delbanco, Andrew, Melville: His World and Work (New York: Knopf, 2005), p 23</ref> In 1841, he jumped ship is Ahab, who over the course of the novel is shown to be unstable in Tahiti and man possessedlater joined another whaler. Ishmael meets He became involved in a host of colorful characters mutiny on-board the this ship including Queequeg, and Fedallah, both harpoonerswas briefly jailed. Captain Ahab has lost his leg in  Melville served as an encounter with ordinary seaman on a gigantic white sperm whale and US Navy frigate before he is consumed by a desire for revengeeventually returned home. He nails Soon he became a gold coin to the mast full-time writer and states that he will give it to the had great success with his first man who sees the whalenovel Typee, based on his own adventures.<ref>Delbanco, p 145</ref> His later works were not commercially successful and the legendary Moby Dick. Ishmael soon realizes book that this he is not a typical whaling mission but a revenge mission. The Pequod sails around the globebest known for, hunting whales, but Ahab is only interested in finding Moby Dickwas a complete failure. The ships have a number of adventures including being battered by  Melville was obliged to work as a typhoon in the Pacific. One of the crew members prophesized that the whale will kill Ahab, this does not deter the one-legged captain custom’s official and he continues continued to pursue his vendetta. During the searchwrite poetry and prose, but they hear tales of the great white whale were largely ignored. He died penniless and forgotten in one instance they learn that it has recently sunk a ship1891 in New York. Finally, the Captain himself sees the whale and there begins a brutal three-day encounter between Ahab, Since then his men, and Moby Dickfame has grown. On the first dayHis novels, the captain and his crew attack the whale with harpoons from small boatsshort stories, but the white whale smashes the boat and nearly kills Ahab. Several sailors poems are lost that day. The following day Ahab and his crew again try and slaughter the whale regarded not only as classics of American literature but again it sinks the boats. On the third day, the captain once again, engages with Moby Dick, during this the whale is killed and Ahab also diesof World literature. The Pequod is badly damaged and sinks, and the only survivor is Ishmael, he floats in a wooden coffin until he is rescued<ref>Melville, Herman, Moby-Dick (London, Penguin BooksDelbanco, 2012)p 112</ref>.  ====The plot of the novel====

==The adventures During the search, they hear tales of Herman Melville==Melville was at sea for several years the great white whale, and had served on two whalersin one instance, they learn that it has recently sunk a ship. During Finally, the Captain himself sees the midwhale, and there begins a brutal three-19th centuryday encounter between Ahab, his men, whaling was a huge industry and it employed tens of thousands of American sailors Moby Dick. On the first day, the captain and was critical to his crew attack the economy of whale with harpoons from small boats, but the North-East of white whale smashes the United Statesship and nearly kills Ahab. Melville’s description of life aboard a whaling ship is very accurate as a resultSeveral sailors are lost that day.  The manner in which following day Ahab and his crew again try and slaughter the sailors lived and whale but again it sinks the difficult conditions that they endured are all very realisticboats. Many of On the third day, the details of captain, once again, engages with Moby Dick. During this encounter, both the Pequod whale is killed and Ahab are based on Melville’s own time spend on the whaler Acushnetkilled. This ship was owned by As a Quaker who may have been the model for the character Bildad. The crew result of the ship that Melville served on was very diverse, they included Africans, Europeansfight, Pequod is badly damaged and Americanssinks, and many may have served as models for some of his most memorable creations. Some critics believe that the diverse crew served only survivor is Ishmael as he floats in a symbol for America and its many different ethnicities and groupswooden coffin until he is rescued.<ref> TalleyMelville, Sharon. Student Companion to Herman Melville. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood PressMoby-Dick (London, Penguin Books, 20072012), p 19</ref>.  ====The adventures of Herman Melville====

==The literary tradition==Melville was a great creative writer at sea for several years and had served on two whalers. During the mid-19th century, whaling was a voracious reader huge industry and it employed tens of thousands of American sailors and like every other author, he was part critical to the economy of the North-East of a literary traditionthe United States. His imagination and his literary influences included Shakespeare, Homer and the Bible. Much Melville’s description of the work life aboard a whaling ship is based on very accurate as a result.  How the imagination of sailors lived and the author and his preoccupations. Moby Dick is a work difficult conditions that is they endured are all very symbolic and one realistic. Many of its main themes according to many critics is the search for God <ref>Sten, Christopher. Sounding details of the Whale: Moby-Dick as Epic Novel (Ohio, New Kent State University Press, 1996), p 115</ref>. Ahab is possibly passed on Pequod are based on Melville’s own time spend on the whaler Acushnet. This ship was owned by a Quaker who may have been the Israelite king who led model for the Hebrews away from the Lordcharacter Bildad. He was a worshipper The crew of idols and many, readers in the 19th century would haveship that Melville served on was very diverse. It included Africans, Europeans, interpreted Ahab’s obsession with the whale as a form of idolatry and sinfulAmericans. It is important to note Many of his shipmates may have served as models for some of his most memorable creations. Some critics have argued that Melville the diverse crew was brought up in a strict Calvinist household symbol for America and its many different ethnicities and groups.</ref> DelbancoTalley, AndrewSharon. Student Companion to Herman Melville: His World and Work. New YorkWestport, Connecticut: KnopfGreenwood Press, 20052007), p 11319</ref>This is only one of the readings of the books, which is remarkably complex. Another influence on the work is Shakespeare, many believe that Ahab was based on  ====The literary tradition====Melville was a great tragic heroes such as King Lear creative writer and Macbeth <ref> Brodheadwas a voracious reader, Richard H.and like every other author, edhe was part of a literary tradition. New Essays on Moby-Dick (CambridgeHis imagination and his literary influences included Shakespeare, Cambridge University PressHomer, 1986), p 118</ref>. Another possible model for and the Bible. Much of the one-legged captain was work is based on the character imagination of Satan, in Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lostthe author and his preoccupations. Melville was also greatly influenced by non-fiction works, these included Moby Dick is a work that is very symbolic and one of its main themes according to many critics is the famous Two Years Before the Mastsearch for God. ==Sinking of <ref>Sten, Christopher. <i>Sounding the Essex==Many historians and Melville scholars believe that the main model for the Pequod and the story of Moby Dick was the tragic fate of the Essex. Whale: Moby-Dick as Epic Novel</i> (Ohio, New Kent State University Press, 1996), p 115</ref> This was an American whaler, Ahab is possibly passed on the Israelite king who led the Hebrews away from Nantucket, Massachusettsthe Lord. It He was a very successful whaler worshipper of idols and it was owned by a number of local citizensmany, which was readers in the custom of 19th century would have, interpreted Ahab’s obsession with the timewhale as a form of worship and sinful. In 1820 the ship It is important to note that Melville was hunting whales brought up in the South Pacific and it was under the command of a Captain George Pollarda strict Calvinist household. While hunting a huge sperm whale<ref> Delbanco, it turned Andrew. Melville: His World and attacked the vessel Work. New York: Knopf, 2005), p 113</ref> Severin, Timothy, and Tim Serverin. In search  This interpretation is only one of the readings of Moby Dick: Quest for the white whale (Londonbook, Little, Brown, 1999), pwhich is remarkably complex. 18</ref>Another influence on the work is Shakespeare. The Essex Many believe that Ahab was so badly damaged by the mammal that it could not sail. The 20 men based on board had little food great tragic heroes such as King Lear and even less water and forced to leave the sinking ship in small boats in the hope of reaching landMacbeth.<ref> Brodhead, Richard H., ed. New Essays on Moby-Dick (Cambridge, but they were thousands of miles Cambridge University Press, 1986), p 118</ref> Another possible model for the coast one-legged captain was the character of South AmericaSatan, in Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. The crew had no food and began to starve and in desperation, they began to eat Melville was also greatly influenced by non-fiction works; these included the bodies of those who died in famous Two Years Before the boatMast. When there were no more corpses to eat,  ====Sinking of the crew drew lots as to who would be killed Essex====Many historians and Melville scholars believe that the main model for the Pequod and cannibalized. In total, the records differ, some seven or eight men were eaten by their crewmatesstory of Moby Dick was the tragic fate of the Essex. They were eventually rescued by This was an American whaler from Nantucket, Massachusetts. It was a passing British ship. Only eight men, out of very successful whaler and it was owned by a number of local citizens, which was the original crew custom of twentythe time. In 1820, survived <ref> Severeinthe ship was hunting whales in the South Pacific, p. 121</ref>. Some of and it was under the survivors left an account command of a Captain George Pollard.  While hunting, a huge sperm whale attacked the sinking of the Essex and their privationsvessel. The most popular account was written by Owen Chase<ref> Severin, Timothy, who was the first mate on the doomed shipand Tim Serverin. It appears that Melville read this workIn search of Moby Dick: Quest for the white whale (London, Little, Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-Ship Brown, 1999), p. 18</ref> The Essex and even met Chase’ son. There are striking similarities between was so badly damaged by the fate of the Essex and the Pequodmammal that it could not sail. They were both, whalers, attacked by huge sperm whales which led The 20 men on board had little food and even less water. They forced to leave the loss sinking ship in small boats in the hope of life. However, there are some differencesreaching land, but they were thousands of miles for the chief one is that there is coast of South America.  The crew had no cannibalism food and began to starve, and in desperation, they began to eat the 1851 book. In 2015 a movie ‘In the heart bodies of those who died in the Sea’, was made based on boat. When there were no more corpses to eat, the crew of the Essexdrew lots as to who would be killed and cannibalized. ==Mocha Dick==In In total, the workrecords differ, the gigantic whale attacked the Pequod and sank itsome seven or eight men were eaten by their crewmates.  They were eventually rescued by a passing British ship. Only eight men, killing all out of the original crewof twenty, except Ishmaelsurvived. In the 19th century<ref> Severein, there were several instances p. 121</ref> Some ofthe survivors left an account of the sinking of the Essex and their privations. The most famous account was written by Owen Chase, mainly sperm whales attacking whalers, but they were very rarewho was the first mate on the doomed ship. HoweverIt appears that Melville read this work, more ships were damaged or sank after collisions with <i>Narrative of the mammals. Among one Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the wellWhale-known examples Ship Essex</i> and even met Chase’ son. There are striking similarities between the fate of this whale, attacks were the Essex. One possible model for and the white whale was Mocha Dick <ref>SevereinPequod. In both, p.99</ref>whalers were attacked by a colossal sperm whales which led to the loss of life. This was an albino sperm whale who was described as gigantic and coated with barnacles and was very aggressive. He lived in the waters of the Pacific OceanHowever, there are some differences, off the coast of Chile, and was often seen near chief one is that there is no cannibalism in the 1851 book. In 2015 a movie ‘In the Island heart of Mochathe Sea’ was made based on the crew of the Essex. This was how he came to be named as  ====Mocha Dick and he was an astonishing 100 feet long. The ====In the book, a gigantic white whale had possibly up to 100 encounters with whalers and he survived them attacked the Pequod and sank it, killing all <ref>Severeinthe crew, p 118</ref>except Ishmael. Sometimes if he did not feel threatened he would meekly swim net to a shipIn the 19th century, there were several instances of, mainly sperm whales attacking whalers, but they were very rare. However, more ships were damaged or sank after collisions with the mammals. Among one of the well-known examples of this whale, attacks were the Essex. Another possible model for the white whale was Mocha Dick.<ref>Severein, p.99</ref> This was an albino sperm whale who was described as an extraordinarily aggressive giant (over 100 ft.) who was coated with barnacles. He lived in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile, and was often seen near the Island of Mocha. This why he was named as Mocha Dick.  The whale had possibly up to 100 encounters with whalers, and he may have survived all of them. <ref>Severein, p 118</ref> Sometimes, if he did not feel threatened he would meekly swim net to a ship. If he was threatened by a harpooner, he would strike boats with his massive fluke (at the end of his tail) or leap from the water and fall on the vessel. If The whale became something of a legend, especially among mariners in Massachusetts. It was claimed that he was threatened by a harpooner he would strike boats with his massive fluke (at the end of his tail) or leap from killed in 1838 and that it took twenty harpoons to kill him.  However, it was also reported that he was seen in the water and fall on the vesselArctic. The whale became something There were many reports of a legendhuge white sperm whales in the 19th century, especially among mariners in Massachusettsand Mocha Dick was not unique. It was claimed that he was killed in 1838 There are certain similarities between this whale and that it took twenty harpoons to kill him. HoweverMoby Dick, it was also reported such as its color, size, and aggression. It seems that he Melville was seen in aware of the Arctic. There were many reports of huge white sperm whales in the 19th century and Mocha Dick story, and it inspired him when he was not uniquewriting his most memorable novel. There are undoubted similarities between this whale and ====Conclusion====Moby Dickis an amazing read, such as and its color, size, plot and aggressionlanguage make it a unique piece of art. It seems that Melville was aware One of the story and it inspired him when he reasons why the book is so memorable was writing his most memorable novel. ==Conclusion==Moby Dick is an amazing read and its plot and language make it a unique piece of art. One of the reasons why the book is so memorable was its detail and its realistic depictions its detail and both its realistic depictions of life on a whaling ship and the dangers of whaling in the 19th century. Melville’s great work is so powerful because it is in large part based on actual historical events that the author actually 's actual experiences and witnesses. Moby Dick offers offered great insight into the whaling industry in the 19th century. Melville appears to have based many of the characters he created on his old shipmates. It also seems that he was greatly influenced by the tragic fate of the Essex and its crew. However, he only used elements of the story. Then it  It is almost certain that he had heard of the remarkable Mocha Dick and other huge white sperm whales. The tales of Mocha Dick , no doubt, inspired the American writer in the creation of perhaps the most famous novel of the sea. However, the story of Moby Dick was also greatly influenced by the literary tradition, especially Shakespeare. The magnum opus of the New York-born author was also inspired by the bible, evident in its symbolism. The reader should see Moby Dick as a composite, of real historical events and the imagination of its author. {{Mediawiki:AmNative}}

====Further Reading====Bercaw, Mary K. , [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810107341/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0810107341&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=dc3db1116c1e7b86db26367ed922fdd7 Melville's Sources ] (Evanston, Illinois: Northwestern University Press, 1987).

Kelley, Wyn (, ed.)[https://www. (2006)amazon. com/gp/product/1119045274/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1119045274&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=77bdeb3c685406e3e3495d4410123a23 A Companion to Herman Melville]. (Blackwell Publishing, 2006)

====References====<references/>[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:United States History]] [[Category: Historically Accurate]] [[Category:19th Century History]]