101 pages • 3 hours read
Herman MelvilleMoby Dick
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1851A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Moby Dick, by Herman Melville, follows Ishmael as he joins the whaling ship Pequod, captained by the vengeful Ahab, who obsessively seeks the white whale Moby Dick that maimed him. As they pursue Moby Dick, the crew faces various challenges, reflecting on deep philosophical themes, until a climactic encounter with the whale leads to catastrophe.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Herman Melville's Moby Dick is praised for its rich symbolism and complex narrative, captivating readers with its detailed depiction of 19th-century whaling. However, some find the lengthy digressions and heavy prose challenging. While hailed as a literary masterpiece with profound themes, it tests patience with its dense and meticulous style.
Who Should Read Moby Dick?
A reader who revels in rich, complex narratives with deep philosophical inquiries would enjoy Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Fans of seafaring adventures like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson or profound existential works such as The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway will find much to appreciate. Ideal for those who value symbolic storytelling and moral ambiguity.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Action / Adventure
American Literature
Classic Fiction
Romanticism / Romantic Period
Natural World: Environment
Society: Community
Identity: Mental Health