Herman

Melville

1819 - 1891

A Great American NovelistA Great American Novelist• Because of his father’s death, he was

forced to leave school at thirteen to support his family

• At age nineteen, he signed on a British ship and began the life of a sailor

A Great American Novelist (cont.)A Great American Novelist (cont.)

• His works included his experiences at sea (enduring the harsh environment and befriending cannibals)

• He was influenced by his love of the sea, the period of romanticism, material progress and the development of democracy

Moby DickMoby Dick

• Known as the greatest American novel• A combination of his life, his times, his

genius, and his struggle to understand the nature of man’s very existence

• Published in 1851 and originally titled The Whale

• Became popular in the 1920’s

Moby Dick (cont.)Moby Dick (cont.)• Captain Ahab in his

demonic pursuit of the white whale exemplified the dark side of individualism

• Famous first line–“Call me Ishmael”