Book details
Moby Dick
Description
Among the crew is Ishmael, the novel's narrator, ordinary sailor, and extraordinary reader. Digressive, allusive, vulgar, transcendent, the story Ishmael tells is above all an education: in the practice of whaling, in the art of writing. Expanding to equal his 'mighty theme' - not only the whale but all things sublime - Melville breathes in the world's great literature. Moby Dick is the greatest novel ever written by an American.
Age
5-7
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- To explore complex themes such as revenge, fate, and the struggle between man and nature, which are central to the human experience.
- To appreciate the rich and detailed descriptions of whaling in the 19th century, which provide historical insight into the industry and its practices.
- To engage with the novel's deep symbolism and allegory, which invite readers to interpret the story on multiple levels and consider profound philosophical questions.
- To experience the narrative style of Herman Melville, which combines elements of adventure, Shakespearean dialogue, and soliloquy, creating a unique and powerful literary voice.