Also read by Jon.
Moby-Dick. I think this one of those stories that has become such a part of America's fabric that the actual book--the real masterpiece--has become diluted. The importance and brilliance actually gets overlooked with kids versions, cultural references to it, and so forth. At least this is what happened with me. I didn't ever feel the need to read it because I knew the essential plot line and that it was well-written; so what else is there to discover in it? Then I saw that Jon was reading it for class and what he said about it made me realize that I couldn't ignore this classic any longer.
In a sentence, my high expectations for this book were met. There are countless passages that are so beautifully crafted. Finding a remarkable quote from this book is like shooting fish in a barrel. Check out this one:
Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off--then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.
It's incredible how paragraphs like this occur one after another and each keeps you drooling for more. Very little of the book is plot (probably about a fourth or a third) and the rest is basically an encyclopedia on whales and whaling ships. It's easy to see that Melville was fascinated with whaling almost to the point of obsession and many of the information in the book comes from his direct experiences with whaling as well as his delving into many sources. But in this tedious information are many metaphors for God and humans. Reading it is sometimes hard but getting it is gratifying. So, yes, it is an exhausting read because it does take concentration to fully appreciate but, I think, meticulously is the only way to read this one.
The book is also really humorous. I wish there were more double-entendres with the whole Moby Dick being a sperm whale and all, but the humor does come through in other ways. This comes from one of my favorite chapters:
How it is I know not; but there is no place like a bed for confidential disclosures between friends. Man and wife, they say, there open the very bottom of their souls to each other; and some old couples often lie and chat over old times till nearly morning. Thus, then, in our hearts' honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg—a cosy, loving pair.
Now you might think Queequeg is a sweet little darling when in fact he's a tattooed cannibal. Nonetheless, he and Ishmael become bosom-friends.
This is an incredible read and I recommend it to any serious reader. This is truly the great American novel and I don't think the story should be experienced in any way other than the Melville way.
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