Herman Melville, the renowned 19th-century American writer, is best known for his masterpiece, Moby-Dick. However, there’s more to him than just this iconic work. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Melville’s life and works and discover the best books written by him that you should read right now.
Born in New York City on August 1, 1819, Herman Melville was the third child of Allan and Maria Gansevoort Melvill. His family had a distinguished history, with his grandfather serving as a member of the Boston Tea Party and his father as a lucrative merchant. However, despite his family’s prominent status, Melville struggled to achieve top grades in school.
At just eighteen years of age, Melville sailed for Liverpool as a seaman on a merchant ship. He continued to travel the world extensively for several years from then on. His experiences at sea would later become the inspiration for writing his most famous works.
The Life and Times of Herman Melville
Melville faced a significant amount of struggle in his life. Despite having some successful works in the early years of his writing career, he faced a slow decline in popularity as a writer as his works began to receive critical backlash.
The death of his son Malcolm in 1867, financial struggles, and a grim political climate left him disillusioned, which ultimately led to the decline of his writing career. He died in 1891, almost forgotten and in relative obscurity. It was only in the early 20th century that Melville’s works resurfaced and gained prominence.
Melville’s Literary Style and Themes
Melville’s literary style was unique in its incorporation of elements of romance and the Gothic genre. His works deal with complex philosophical issues and themes, such as the struggle for power, nature versus civilization, and the duality of good and evil. His writing is known for its vivid descriptions, immersive narration, and character development.
One of Melville’s most famous works, “Moby-Dick,” is a prime example of his literary style and themes. The novel tells the story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of a white whale, and explores themes such as revenge, fate, and the struggle between man and nature. Melville’s vivid descriptions of the sea and the characters aboard the ship make the novel a truly immersive experience for the reader.
Another notable work by Melville is “Billy Budd,” a novella about a young sailor who is falsely accused of mutiny and sentenced to death. The story deals with themes such as innocence, justice, and the corrupting influence of power. Melville’s writing style in this work is more straightforward and less ornate than in “Moby-Dick,” but still manages to convey a powerful message.
Despite the challenges he faced in his life, Herman Melville left a lasting impact on American literature. His works continue to be studied and admired for their unique style, complex themes, and vivid characters.
Melville’s Masterpiece: Moby-Dick
Moby-Dick, published in 1851, is arguably Melville’s most significant work and one of the greatest American novels of all time. The book follows the journey of Captain Ahab and his obsessive pursuit of the white whale, Moby-Dick, which is seen as a metaphor for the human struggle against the unknown and the inevitable clash of nature and man.
The Plot and Characters of Moby-Dick
Moby-Dick is not just a tale about chasing a whale but also a story of complex characters and relationships. There’s Ishmael, the narrator, who goes to sea to escape his troubles, Starbuck, the first mate, who questions Ahab’s quest for revenge, and Queequeg, a harpooner, who is Ishmael’s loyal friend.
As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of discovery and exploration. The characters are not just caricatures but fully fleshed-out individuals with their own motivations and desires. The reader is introduced to the harsh realities of life at sea, the camaraderie between sailors, and the dangers of whaling.
The book delves deep into themes such as revenge, mortality, and the struggle against destiny. Ahab’s obsession with Moby-Dick is not just a quest for revenge but a reflection of his own mortality and the struggle against fate. The whale, in turn, represents the unknown and the uncontrollable forces of nature that can destroy even the most powerful of men.
Throughout the book, Melville uses symbolism and metaphor to convey his message. The whale, for example, is not just a physical creature but a representation of the human condition. The sea, too, is not just a setting but a force that shapes the characters and their destinies.
The Enduring Legacy of Moby-Dick
Moby-Dick has had a lasting impact on American literature and culture. It has been adapted into multiple films, inspired countless other works of art, and continues to influence contemporary literature. Its unique combination of epic storytelling, philosophy, and symbolism make it a timeless classic.
But Moby-Dick is not just a great work of literature; it is also a reflection of the American experience. The book was written during a time of great change in American society, as the country was transitioning from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Melville’s exploration of the struggle between man and nature reflects the tensions of this period, as Americans grappled with the challenges of modernity and the loss of traditional ways of life.
Despite its initial mixed reception, Moby-Dick has become a cultural touchstone, a book that continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of great literature to transcend time and place.
Exploring Melville’s Other Notable Works
Aside from Moby-Dick, Melville has some other notable works that showcase his literary genius. Here are a few of them:
Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life
Typee is Melville’s first book and is based on his experiences on the Marquesas Islands. The novel tells the story of Tommo, a sailor who jumps ship and is taken in by the Typee people, whose way of life he learns about, and whose people he grows to love.
As Melville’s first novel, Typee was a commercial success and launched his career as a writer. It was praised for its vivid descriptions of Polynesian life and its portrayal of the Typee people as complex and nuanced characters. Melville’s experiences in the South Pacific influenced much of his later work, and the themes of cultural difference and exoticism are present throughout his writing.
Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas
Omoo is Melville’s sequel to Typee and is set in Tahiti. The book follows the adventures of Tommo, who again runs away from his ship and joins a group of island dwellers, and elaborates on the themes of Typee.
Like Typee, Omoo draws on Melville’s experiences in the South Pacific and explores themes of cultural difference and the clash between Western and non-Western cultures. However, Omoo is a darker and more complex work than its predecessor, and it has been noted for its exploration of themes such as power, violence, and exploitation.
Redburn: His First Voyage
Redburn tells the story of Wellingborough Redburn, a young man on his first voyage at sea. The novel gives insight into the harsh realities of life on a merchant ship and marked a turning point in Melville’s career, as it was his first book written after the publication of Moby-Dick.
Redburn is notable for its realistic portrayal of life at sea, and it has been praised for its attention to detail and its vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of the ship. However, the novel is also a commentary on the social and economic conditions of the time, and it explores themes such as poverty, class, and the exploitation of workers.
White-Jacket: The World in a Man-of-War
White-Jacket is a semi-autobiographical work that depicts life on the U.S. Navy warship, the USS Neversink, highlighting the hypocrisy and brutality of war. It shows Melville’s anti-war stance and exposes the harsh realities of life in a man-of-war.
White-Jacket is a powerful indictment of the military establishment and the dehumanizing effects of war. The novel is notable for its vivid descriptions of life on the ship, as well as its exploration of themes such as power, authority, and the nature of violence. Melville’s experiences in the Navy informed much of his later work, and the themes of White-Jacket can be seen throughout his writing.
Melville’s Short Stories and Poetry
Herman Melville is an American author best known for his classic novel, Moby-Dick. However, Melville also wrote a number of short stories and poems that are worth exploring. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Melville’s most notable short stories and poetry.
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street
Bartleby, the Scrivener is a short story that explores themes of alienation and the struggle for identity in a world that values conformity. The story is set in a law office on Wall Street and tells the story of a lawyer who hires a copyist named Bartleby. At first, Bartleby is a diligent worker, but he eventually starts to refuse every request given to him, simply responding with the phrase “I would prefer not to.”
The story is a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism and the struggle for individualism in a society that values conformity above all else. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining our individuality and resisting the pressures of conformity.
Benito Cereno: A Tale of Slavery and Rebellion
Benito Cereno is a short story that tells the story of a Spanish slave ship sailing off the coast of Chile. The story is told from the perspective of Amasa Delano, an American captain who comes across the ship and is initially deceived by the Spanish captain, Benito Cereno, who is actually a captive on his own ship.
The story highlights themes of deception, racism, and slavery, and is a powerful indictment of the institution of slavery. The novella has been praised for its unique narrative style and compelling plot, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery in America.
Billy Budd, Sailor: A Posthumous Masterpiece
Billy Budd, Sailor is Melville’s final work and was discovered unfinished years after his death. The story follows the eponymous character, who is conscripted into the Navy and becomes the victim of a conspiracy that leads to a tragic ending.
The story is a powerful exploration of justice, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. It is a testament to Melville’s skill as a writer that he was able to create such a compelling story, even in its unfinished state.
Melville’s Foray into Poetry: Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War
Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War is a collection of Melville’s poems inspired by the American Civil War. The collection includes poems about the war, including one of his most famous works, “Shiloh.”
The poems in this collection are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians. They are a testament to Melville’s skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the complex emotions and experiences of those affected by war.
In conclusion, Herman Melville’s short stories and poetry are a testament to his skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. Whether exploring themes of alienation, slavery, or war, Melville’s works continue to resonate with readers today, and are a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.
Conclusion
Herman Melville‘s works continue to inspire generations of readers and writers with their thought-provoking themes, vivid storytelling, and complex characters. If you haven’t yet dived into the world of Melville, we hope that this article has piqued your interest and that you are ready to dive into his literary works. Happy reading!
FAQs
What is the most famous book written by Herman Melville?
Moby Dick, or The Whale is undeniably the most influential book written by Herman Melville. It was written in 1851 and is now known as one of the most influential books of the 19th century.
What is Moby Dick about?
It follows a sailor, Ishmael, the only survivor of a whaling disaster who seeks revenge on Moby Dick, the whale responsible.
When was Herman Melville writing?
His writing career began in 1846 but the bulk of his success occurred between the 1850s and the 1880s.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
