In Search of Moby Dick Group at eNotes

Try a thorough character analysis. Make a chart in which you record...

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:09:42 PST

Try a thorough character analysis. Make a chart in which you record what you know about Ahab, referring to the methods of character description: 1. What he says, 2. What actions he takes, 3. From his thoughts, 4. From what others feel and say about him, and 5. From his physical appearanceFollow through on the symbolism of the white whale. What meanings come from this creature? the color? (see Chapter 42) the size? the whale...

Perhaps the greatest weakness of this novel is that Melville digresses...

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:02:41 PST

Perhaps the greatest weakness of this novel is that Melville digresses from his narrative too often. For example, there are chapters filled with detailed descriptions of the types and sizes and composition of whales and of the aspects of whaling and composition of ships.These digressions tend to mitigate the power of the metaphysical aspect of the novel: the question of whether a spectre-like whale can think and initiate evil against man. ...

One strong point about "In Search of Moby Dick" are that the...

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:19:22 PST

One strong point about "In Search of Moby Dick" are that the author brings a literary classic ("Moby Dick") to life and grounds it in reality. Another is the quality of the writing. The descriptions are clear, even vivid. As far as weaknesses, I would argue that the following elements are weaknesses.1) In trying to show which elements of Melville's great work are not based on historical fact, the author sort of misses the...

strengths and weakness

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:00:15 PST

I got in a debate about this book, and I need some ideas to fall back on, so can you guys think of any thing?

What two weaknesses do you think this book has, and what two strong points?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:53:29 PST

When I read the book, there was nothing that I could find, because when I read a book, I dont really pay attention to that stuff, so I kind of need your help.