This course explores Moby-Dick, Melville's great American novel. You will listen to a series of short lectures on the historical and cultural context that informed the writing of Moby-Dick. You will examine Starbuck’s argument with Ahab to explain why the crew does not mutiny in Moby-Dick, how the drowning of Pip qualifies as an example of the narrative performing the work of testimony, and the differences between Ishmael’s speculative and testamentary narratives. You will also explore different ideological appropriations of Moby-Dick.

The American Renaissance and Herman Melville

The American Renaissance and Herman Melville
This course is part of American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century Specialization


Instructors: James Dobson
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
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2 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century Specialization
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