Related Literary Works to Moby Dick
Biblical Influences
Melville's masterpiece draws heavily from biblical narratives and symbolism, particularly from the Old Testament.
NoteThe very name of the protagonist, "Ishmael," comes from the Bible, referring to Abraham's outcast son who wandered in the wilderness.
Key Biblical Parallels
- The Story of Jonah: The most obvious biblical connection This directly parallels Ahab's obsession with the great white whale.
"And God had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah"
- Job's Narrative: The theme of man versus divine power
"Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook?" (Job 41:1)
Paradise Lost Connections
Milton's epic poem shares several thematic elements with Moby Dick:
- The Vengeful Quest: Like Satan's rebellion against God, Ahab's pursuit of the whale represents hubris against nature/divine power.
- Epic Scale: Both works employ vast cosmic imagery and philosophical contemplation.
Consider this passage from Moby Dick:
"All visible objects, man, are but as pasteboard masks... If man will strike, strike through the mask!"
This echoes Milton's Satan attempting to pierce the veil of heaven.
Shakespearean Influences
Melville's work shows strong influences from Shakespearean tragedy, particularly:
King Lear
- The theme of madness and obsession
- Nature as an overwhelming force
- The tragic hero's downfall through pride
