Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is a cornerstone of American literature that challenges and rewards at every turn. This monumental novel with one of the most famous opening lines in all of English literature--“Call me Ishmael”—is far more than a tale of a whaling voyage. It is a profound exploration of obsession, morality, and the human condition, set against the vast, mysterious backdrop of the sea. Through Melville’s rich symbolism, philosophical digressions, and unforgettable characters, participants in this SDG will engage in discussions of fate, free will, race, authority, and the limits of knowledge.
Moby Dick is a hymn to democracy, a description of a cooperative community at work, with each individual dependent on and responsible for the welfare of the other. Above all, the novel is an education, not only in the techniques of whaling but also in the art of writing. Whether you’re a Melville newbie or a seasoned Ishmael, this SDG will leave you with a profound sense of wonder and accomplishment!
Week 1: Focus on Intro & Context. Melville's Bio; 19th Century Whaling Industry; MOBY DICK: Extracts, Etymology & Chaps. 1-7
Week 2: Setting Out. MOBY DICK, Chaps. 8-23
Week 3: The Voyage Begins. MOBY DICK, chaps. 24 - 36
Week 4: Whaling & The Sea. MOBY DICK, chaps, 37-54
Week 5: Encounters & Digressions. MOBY DICK, chaps. 55-72
Week 6: The Whale as Symbol. MOBY DICK, chaps. 73-99
Week 7: Climax Approaches. MOBY DICK, chaps. 100-126
Week 8: The Chase & Aftermath. MOBY DICK, chaps. 127-134, Epilogue & Film (TBD)
Core Book
Melville, Herman. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. Foreword by Nathaniel Philbrick, illustrated by Tony Millionaire, Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, Penguin Books, 2009.
Available in Libraries, Bookstores and Amazon in Hard-Cover, Paperback, Kindle and Audio-Book editions
Note: The Norton Critical Edition, edited by Hershel Parker may be used--it is excellent for its footnotes and supplemental articles, however print is small and book is not offered in other formats.
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Supplemental Readings to be provided on topics including, but not limited to, Melville's Biography, the History and Economics of the 19th Century Whaling Industry, Political & Philosophical Issues, as well as Race, Labor & Sociocultural Dynamics of the Period.
New Bedford Whaling Museum (see online site)