Moby Dick

Ignorance is the parent of fear . . .

- Herman Melville.

I have read Moby Dick precisely twice.  Frankly, it is a hard read and has so many layers that the mind wanders.  The first time I read it, I was sitting in my truck in the parking lot of a little restaurant in Tioga, Texas.  It was pouring rain, which seemed somehow apropos.  I had to read it for my high school AP English class (one classic novel a week).  I had gone up to our farm for some peace and quiet, but the power went out in the storm and I needed light.  I reread it again a few years ago.  It’s a magnificent study of the human condition.  It’s a shame Melville wasn’t recognized in his time. 

1. Sorry - I have to disagree. I read Moby in high school as well and it was really boring. I got the whole jist of it by watching Star Trek First Contact.
   (and yes I’m going to the new ST movie tomorrow)

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 08, 2009 at 0711 hrs




2. Magnificent novel, and one I have on my list to re-read at some point. The previous times I read Moby Dick (many moons ago), I remember being annoyed by Melville’s interweaving of the mundane. The novel goes from taut, psychological thriller in one chapter to spending a whole chapter on the art of some trivial aspect of whaling, and then back again. Being a little bit older, I wonder if I might have more patience and see more value in this component of the narrative.

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 08, 2009 at 0823 hrs




3. He was unappreciated because he was a one hit wonder. It would be like calling the Kingsmen a musical powerhouse for releasing Louie, Louie.

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 08, 2009 at 1114 hrs




4. Melville, a one hit wonder?

   Read Billy Budd & the Piazza Tales…

   Comparing “Moby Dick” to “Louie, Louie” is one of the sillier things I’ve heard in a long time.

   Posted by JB on May 08, 2009 at 1128 hrs




5. “Billy Bud” was OK, perhaps heavy stuff for you. “Bartleby, the Scrivener?” That was OK too, but nothing close to even the worst thing Hawthorn may have written, if there is such a piece.

   “Moby Dick” is a great book but I was comparing Melville not the book. But, if the last name fits, use it.

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 08, 2009 at 1247 hrs




6. Melville > Hawthorn

   Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 08, 2009 at 1455 hrs