46 pages • 1 hour read
Herman MelvilleBenito Cereno
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1855A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In "Benito Cereno," Captain Amasa Delano encounters a distressed Spanish ship, the San Dominick, and its visibly ill Captain Benito Cereno along the coast of Chile in 1799. Delano observes unsettling dynamics between the few Spanish sailors and numerous enslaved Black individuals aboard. Amid suspicious interactions and distressing incidents, Delano endeavors to comprehend the ship’s predicament. The story involves depictions of racism and enslavement, along with outdated and offensive terms for Black individuals.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Herman Melville's Benito Cereno is lauded for its intricate narrative and profound social commentary on slavery and human nature. Critics appreciate its suspenseful and thought-provoking plot. However, some find its dense prose challenging and the pacing slow. Overall, it remains a compelling and insightful read, reflecting Melville's literary prowess.
Who Should Read Benito Cereno?
Readers who enjoy Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno typically appreciate complex narratives, maritime settings, and explorations of slavery and morality. Fans of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness or Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works would find this novella compelling due to its dark themes and psychological depth.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Action / Adventure
Education
Race / Racism
Education
History: World
Identity: Race
Natural World: Appearance & Reality
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil