I wonder why they make us read novels like this in school - I vaguely remember it as something we 'had to' read, and something I found boring.

For some reason, I kept identifying it with the movie 'Orca'. And for that, I kept thinking I'd also seen the movie.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the book now.

I didn't read this book in school so this is my first time with Melville, so I am sure that I will ask questions that may have already been answered or make comments that appear obvious, especially since this seems to be the second discussion of this book in recent months.

I just finished reading the first chapter and I found it interesting that Ishmael seems to hold himself out as more intelligent than the people around them (at least some of them). He describes human beings fascination with water but notes that he makes sure to get paid (versus being a paying passenger) to get the same experience of being on the water. Ishmael is also very accepting of fate and states that his path and choices have been decided for him already and that he is but playing a part in play. I have to assume that Ishmael's describing humans' obsession with the sea is foreshadowing as I know that basic plot. I enjoyed Melville's writing style and description and hopefully it will be a good read.

WCWoman wrote:

For some reason, I kept identifying it with the movie 'Orca'. And for that, I kept thinking I'd also seen the movie.

I might as well own up here. I read a novel called 'Marjorie Morningstar' by Herman Wouk, and I enjoyed it, so I thought I'd read 'Moby Dick' not realising it was a completely different Herman! Just because they were both American!!

I just finished reading the first chapter and I found it interesting that Ishmael seems to hold himself out as more intelligent than the people around them (at least some of them). He describes human beings fascination with water but notes that he makes sure to get paid (versus being a paying passenger) to get the same experience of being on the water.

that's interesting will re re read it

Thanks Penelope for the info on the name Ishmael. I remembered that the Jews came from Isaac and that the Arabs from Ishmael, but I did not know that any name ending in -el signified an angel. It leads to looking at the first chapter and the character of Ishmael in a different way. Your point about the reader's of Melville's day being more familiar with the Bible also helps with the context and I think that is important when reading any story or book.

As a side-note, but sort of related; I had a teacher in high school who wanted to offer a year long course on the Bible from a literary perspective because he felt it was vital for understanding many of the great works of literature. Alas, he wasn't able to get it approved as the school board felt like it would become to political and controversial, but I appreciated his effort in trying. As I have gotten older I have appreciated his trying more so that I realized how controversial it probably was for him to suggest it and after studying the Bible and additional classics I realize how right he was.

sal 10e Yes I see what you mean. He mentions that his normal employment is as a schoolmaster 'lording it as a country schoolmaster, making the tallest boy stand in awe of you'. Perhaps he finds relief from his depression not only in the sea, but by taking on the role of a 'simple sailor'. He does not have to think, or give orders, just obey them, instead of meting them out

sal10e:
I had a teacher in high school who wanted to offer a year long course on the Bible from a literary perspective because he felt it was vital for understanding many of the great works of literature. Alas, he wasn't able to get it approved

There is a version called - The Bible, designed to be read as literature - edited by Ernest Sutherland Bates.

It is just that I think quite a lot of the Bible is spiritually discerned rather than understood intellectually.

I think a lot of the major characters are metaphors....They teach us such a lot about ourselves and human nature.....just as Shakespeare does....but I rather think they are true in the same sense as Shakespeare is true. It is true in what it says about humanity, as it were ....but it is 'demonstrating' something rather than telling us anything factual.

Hi Penelope, That's interesting I did not know of Ernest Sutherland Bates' version of the Bible as literature. I will have to check that one out.

lorifog wrote:Hi everyone, I'm a friend of Damnifino and she told me you were reading Moby Dick so i figured I'd pick it up and try to muddle my way through. I've had that on my tbr list for some time but have always been intimidated about reading it alone. Thanks for having me!

Oh and BTW, what's wrong with a stack of books next to the bed? Doesn't everyone have one?

Hi Lori - I have both ... not a kindle, but a Sony Reader - and I still have stacks of books going. Even though I did discard/give away a lot of them a couple of years ago.

(Bedbugs have contaminated many homes in Toronto and I've been cautious about what's being brought into the apartment)

About the names 'Ishmael' and 'Isaac' . . . and about what religious literature has to say about it . . . it was, when you come down to it, all written by men. So let's not get too carried away here about angels' names ending with el.