What role do the various whales play in "Moby Dick"?
In Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick," the different types of whales serve
both as plot devices and symbolic representations of the novel's themes. The
titular white whale, Moby Dick, represents the destructive power of obsession
and the unknowability of nature. Ahab's obsessive quest for vengeance
against Moby Dick serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris
and the futility of attempting to dominate nature.
Other types of whales also play important symbolic roles. The "sperm whale,"
for example, symbolizes the natural world's ability to provide sustenance and
wealth. The "right whale" symbolizes the colonialist exploitation of nature and
the idea that resources are limitless. In contrast, the "humpback whale"
represents a harmony between humans and nature, as they are seen as
playful and curious creatures.
Overall, the different whale species in "Moby Dick" serve to reinforce the
book's main themes, such as the dangers of obsession, the limits of human
power, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
They also serve to deepen the novel's exploration of the human condition and
the human relationship with the natural world.
References:
Melville, H. (2018). Moby-Dick. Penguin.
Sanborn, F. B. (1957). The Significance of Whaling (The Whale as a Poet). American
Literature, 29(1), 1-13.