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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyed this but also it was a massive slog to get through. Melville clearly has way too much he wants to tell people about whaling and it gets in the way of the plot. Glad I read it but definitely will not read again
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Prior to reading Moby Dick, I had been told that this was a book that was 5% great novel and 95% whale blubber. Upon reading it, however, I found that the whale blubber was just as important to making this novel what it is. Using the device setting of a whaling vessel, Melville skillfully provides commentary on almost every issue of his day. He tackles imperialism, race, ethnocentric views of anthropology, education, economics, religion, and even contemporary marine biology to name a few.
While I have nothing but praise for these essays that form the intercalary chapters of this great American novel, I am less than awed by much of the symbolism that pervades the primary narrative. The countless memento mori are extremely contrived. Likewise, the monomaniacal nature of Ahab restricts his character to that of a madman. In contrast, the characters of Starbuck and Stubb with their rich personalities and distinct motivations provide life to the decks of Pequod. I do recommend this novel to anyone serious about studying American literature or literature in general.
While I have nothing but praise for these essays that form the intercalary chapters of this great American novel, I am less than awed by much of the symbolism that pervades the primary narrative. The countless memento mori are extremely contrived. Likewise, the monomaniacal nature of Ahab restricts his character to that of a madman. In contrast, the characters of Starbuck and Stubb with their rich personalities and distinct motivations provide life to the decks of Pequod. I do recommend this novel to anyone serious about studying American literature or literature in general.
Although nothing in my entire reading history has felt better than finally shutting this book, Moby Dick presents so much subtle (and not so subtle!) social commentary that despite almost drowning in the chapters towards the middle of the book(dreadful, dreadful pun, please forgive me!), you come away with a much more profound understanding of American democracy, obsession and nationality that make it entirely worth the struggle.
The majority of this book was just whale / whaling knowledge.. the story itself was good, sure. I see why AP lit teachers cream their pants over it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An amazing book! A masterpiece for sure.
Wow, that whale had quite the attitude. But like Kenny Rogers sings: you gotta know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run...
I'm really glad that I "read" (listened to the audiobook) this book, and I wish I had read this book many years ago - like in adolescence - because I think there are some important ideas/themes in Moby Dick.
It's about revenge, eh?
Compare Inigo Montoya from "the Princess Bride" with Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick": the former was successful with his revenge mission, while the later was not.
I probably should rate this book 5 stars - it's a masterpiece, for sure! But I was a little distracted by all of the graphic description of whaling - the blood & guts - so it wasn't a 5-star book for myself. However, since this was written in the 19th century, I surmise people were used to killing their own animals for food, and these descriptions weren't an issue back then.
Wow, that whale had quite the attitude. But like Kenny Rogers sings: you gotta know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run...
I'm really glad that I "read" (listened to the audiobook) this book, and I wish I had read this book many years ago - like in adolescence - because I think there are some important ideas/themes in Moby Dick.
It's about revenge, eh?
Compare Inigo Montoya from "the Princess Bride" with Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick": the former was successful with his revenge mission, while the later was not.
I probably should rate this book 5 stars - it's a masterpiece, for sure! But I was a little distracted by all of the graphic description of whaling - the blood & guts - so it wasn't a 5-star book for myself. However, since this was written in the 19th century, I surmise people were used to killing their own animals for food, and these descriptions weren't an issue back then.