Herman Melville’s "Redburn" explores themes of reality versus expectation, societal injustice, and the harshness of life through vivid settings and Redburn’s transformative journey. From the confines of the Highlander ship to the bustling streets of Liverpool, each location serves as a backdrop for the protagonist’s evolving understanding of the world. Melville critiques the disparities of society and the illusions of a young sailor, weaving a narrative that is both a personal adventure and a social commentary.

The Voyage on the Highlander

The Highlander, the ship that carries Wellingborough Redburn from New York to Liverpool, is more than just a vessel; it is a crucible of transformation for the young sailor. Initially, Redburn’s imagination paints an idealistic picture of life at sea, but once on board, he is confronted with the stark realities of maritime life—a world of toil, danger, and sporadic moments of joy. The ship becomes a microcosm of life, blending hardship with occasional thrills like the exhilarating feeling of conquering the waves or the satisfaction of mastering the sails.

The return voyage shifts focus to a more profound social critique. Melville highlights the dire conditions faced by Irish emigrants crammed into the steerage compartments. The contrast between their plight and the privileged cabin passengers, who remain indifferent and insulated by barriers, underscores the glaring social injustices of the era. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful indictment of the indifference of the affluent toward the suffering of the less fortunate.

Liverpool: A City of Contrasts

Liverpool, Redburn’s destination, is a city teeming with contradictions, revealing the disparity between youthful dreams and harsh realities. Expecting a vibrant metropolis, Redburn instead encounters a city of dull warehouses, a setting that shatters his idealistic visions. His exploration of Liverpool using an antiquated guidebook symbolizes his naive attempt to navigate a world that has moved on, leaving behind vestiges of a bygone era.

As Redburn roams the city, a grim picture of industrial Liverpool unfolds. He is confronted by the pervasive poverty and destitution, typified by beggars and a starving family dwelling in the cellar on Launcelott’s-Hey. These encounters highlight the dark side of industrial progress—the creation of an underclass living in squalor amidst urban development. Melville uses Redburn’s observations to critique the social and moral failures of a society that has turned a blind eye to its most vulnerable members.

Impressions of Other Lands

Along the journey, Redburn’s encounters with various geographical landmarks further develop his character and thematic exploration. Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor becomes a symbol of past happiness, a vivid memory that contrasts with his present challenges. The sight of the fort prompts recollections of carefree days spent amidst its vaults and grazing cattle, invoking a longing for simplicity and innocence lost.

The Highlander then navigates past Wales and Ireland, both of which bring their own disillusionments. The mountains of Wales, while initially awe-inspiring, soon reveal themselves to be no different from familiar landscapes back home, stripping them of any exotic allure. Ireland, the first European land he sees, fails to live up to Redburn’s expectations of wonder, appearing mundane rather than magical.

Reflections on Equality

Redburn's journey is also a contemplation on the ideals of equality and reality. Despite his disenchantment with certain European locales, he initially harbors fantasies about America, envisioning it as a land of equal opportunity and harmony. However, his experiences begin to unravel these illusions. In Liverpool, he observes a greater racial equality than he perceives in his own country, challenging his preconceived notions and compelling him to question the true state of equality in America.

The Nelson Memorial and Slavery

Redburn’s...