Melville and the Bible
It is helpful to read literature with Bible characters in mind. You can gain a clearer understanding of the Biblical character. And you can see how their flaws and strengths might work out in a different setting.
Melville read the Bible (most educated people did) so his "Moby Dick" could have been influenced by the story of Saul. Parallels between Captain Ahab and Saul: Ahab is hurt by the Whale and blames it on God. Saul is injured (he thinks) by David, and rebels against God. Ahab seeks the company of a heathen who has occult powers. Saul seeks advice from the Witch of Endor. Both Fedallah and the Witch of Endor predict how the men will die. Ahab and Saul are obsessive in their quest for vengeance. Starbuck, the good-hearted first mate, remains loyal to Ahab, though he knows it will be fatal. Sounds a bit like Jonathan. The ship's crew correspond to the army of Israel, all of which are brought down by Ahab's/Saul's madness.
When you read "Moby," you can see how a man like Ahab, though close to insanity, can still inspire respect and loyalty. I imagine Saul in his decaying state still retained a commanding presence. Saul has his moments of lucidity as well as his "fits." So does Ahab. At one point in the story, after an emotional appeal by Starbuck, he nearly changes his mind and gives up the chase. This is like Saul's response when David reasons with him. Both characters are plagued by dark moods...Ahab pacing the decks by night, Saul plunging into depression.
I think "Moby" rings true because the flaws of the characters and the effects of their flaws ring true.
Melville read the Bible (most educated people did) so his "Moby Dick" could have been influenced by the story of Saul. Parallels between Captain Ahab and Saul: Ahab is hurt by the Whale and blames it on God. Saul is injured (he thinks) by David, and rebels against God. Ahab seeks the company of a heathen who has occult powers. Saul seeks advice from the Witch of Endor. Both Fedallah and the Witch of Endor predict how the men will die. Ahab and Saul are obsessive in their quest for vengeance. Starbuck, the good-hearted first mate, remains loyal to Ahab, though he knows it will be fatal. Sounds a bit like Jonathan. The ship's crew correspond to the army of Israel, all of which are brought down by Ahab's/Saul's madness.
When you read "Moby," you can see how a man like Ahab, though close to insanity, can still inspire respect and loyalty. I imagine Saul in his decaying state still retained a commanding presence. Saul has his moments of lucidity as well as his "fits." So does Ahab. At one point in the story, after an emotional appeal by Starbuck, he nearly changes his mind and gives up the chase. This is like Saul's response when David reasons with him. Both characters are plagued by dark moods...Ahab pacing the decks by night, Saul plunging into depression.
I think "Moby" rings true because the flaws of the characters and the effects of their flaws ring true.
posted by Emily at 5:41 PM
2 Comments:
I always thought the first half of the book was Bible inspired, while the second half leans more towards Shakespeare, particularly "King Lear."
But then, Shakespeare read The Bible, too.
Three essential bodies of work to read Western literature: The Bible, Shakespeare, and Greek mythology.
Thanks for the comment, Jim. You're right...Shakespeare was a big influence on Moby Dick. I believe he started writing it after seeing a Shakespeare play. Interesting insight about Lear.
3 foundational bodies of lit... I would agree. :)
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