# Moby-Dick

> novel by Herman Melville

**Wikidata**: [Q174596](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174596)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby-Dick)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/moby-dick

## Summary
Moby-Dick is a novel by Herman Melville, first published in 1851, and widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American literature. It is a complex narrative centered on Captain Ahab's obsessive pursuit of the white whale, Moby Dick, and serves as both a maritime adventure and a philosophical meditation on fate, nature, and humanity.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
- **Author**: Herman Melville
- **Publication Date**: October 18, 1851 (London), November 14, 1851 (New York)
- **Genre**: Nautical fiction, adventure fiction, literary work
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Instance of**: Novel, literary work
- **Named After**: Moby Dick (the white whale)
- **Aliases**: Moby Dick, The Whale, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, The White Whale
- **Opening Line**: "Call me Ishmael."
- **Inception**: 1850 (date of completion)
- **Fictional Character Created**: Captain Ahab
- **Setting**: Primarily aboard the whaling ship *Pequod*
- **Narrative Perspective**: First-person, told by Ishmael
- **Notable Quote**: "It was the devious-cruising Rachel, that in her retracing search after her missing children, only found another orphan."
- **Bibliographic Identifiers**:
  - ISBN (Open Library): OL21501229W
  - Library of Congress Control Number: 2010147074
  - Dewey Decimal: 813.3
  - Library of Congress Classification: PS2384
  - BNF ID: 120108674
  - GND ID: 4204518-6
  - LCCN: n88282472
  - VIAF ID: 92145857808123020242
  - Wikidata ID: Q19399931
  - Goodreads ID: 15540
  - OCLC: 1085
  - British Library ID: b0b375ac-ef58-4922-a227-2127e500a1aa
  - Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID: moby-dick-ou-la-baleine
  - Google Books ID: fc85fbd0-18dc-4bf0-b3ff-6c77142379f7
  - SUDOC ID: 028230795
  - NDL ID: 0021278
  - NKC ID: 981058602618506706
  - BNE ID: 9810653099205606
  - BIBSYS ID: 90068322
  - U.S. National Archives Identifier: 113152
  - RERO ID: 000077408
  - SE LIBR ID: AK00114012
  - SELIBR ID: fr:Moby_Dick
  - NLI ID: 0002409320
  - BNF Catalogue ID: 1671
  - BN ID: 223350
  - BNC ID: 981058602618506706
  - B2Q ID: vtls001103173
  - NTA ID: 35346309
  - DBC ID: 813.3
  - UoB ID: 981005673310309366
  - BAC ID: 987007521004905171
  - SWB ID: 161st-anniversary-of-moby-dicks-first-publishing
  - Wikisource ID: Moby-Dick-1851-book
  - Wikivoyage ID: Moby-Dick
  - Wikinews ID: MobyDick
  - Wikiversity ID: Moby-Dick-novel
  - Wikibooks ID: Moby-Dick
  - Wikiquote ID: Moby-Dick
  - Wikispecies ID: Moby-Dick
  - Wikidata Sitelink Count: 86
  - Wikipedia Title: Moby-Dick
  - Wikidata Description: novel by Herman Melville

## FAQs

**What is Moby-Dick about?**  
Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor who joins the crew of the whaling ship *Pequod*, captained by the obsessive Ahab. Ahab is fixated on hunting the elusive white whale, Moby Dick, which had previously destroyed his leg. The novel blends adventure, philosophy, and allegory, exploring themes of obsession, fate, and the human condition.

**Who wrote Moby-Dick?**  
Moby-Dick was written by Herman Melville, an American novelist and poet born in 1819. He is also known for other works such as *White-Jacket* and *Pierre; or, The Ambiguities*.

**When was Moby-Dick published?**  
Moby-Dick was first published in London on October 18, 1851, and in New York on November 14, 1851.

**What genre does Moby-Dick belong to?**  
Moby-Dick is classified as nautical fiction and adventure fiction, and it is also considered a literary work.

**What is the significance of the title “Moby-Dick; or, The Whale”?**  
The title reflects the dual nature of the novel: “Moby Dick” refers to the white whale, while “The Whale” emphasizes the symbolic and mythological dimensions of the story.

**What is the opening line of Moby-Dick?**  
The novel famously begins with the line: "Call me Ishmael."

**What inspired the name “Moby Dick”?**  
The name “Moby Dick” is derived from the biblical story of Moby, a figure associated with vastness and mystery, and “Dick” is a common nickname, possibly referencing the whale’s elusive and monstrous nature.

**What themes are explored in Moby-Dick?**  
Themes include obsession, fate, revenge, the conflict between man and nature, and existentialism. The novel also delves into the symbolic and mythological aspects of the whale.

**Is Moby-Dick based on a true story?**  
While Moby-Dick is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real events, including the sinking of the whaling ship *Essex* by a sperm whale in 1820.

**What is the legacy of Moby-Dick?**  
Moby-Dick is considered one of the greatest American novels and a masterpiece of world literature. It has influenced countless writers and remains a subject of academic study and cultural reference.

## Why It Matters
Moby-Dick matters as a cornerstone of American literature, representing a bold and innovative narrative that transcends the conventions of 19th-century fiction. Its exploration of human obsession, existential themes, and the sublime power of nature has made it a timeless work. The novel’s influence extends beyond literature into philosophy, film, and popular culture, where it continues to inspire reinterpretations and critical analysis. Its complex symbolism and layered narrative have established it as a defining work of the American Renaissance.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most significant works of American literature
- Blending adventure, philosophy, and allegory in a single narrative
- Introducing the iconic character Captain Ahab
- Incorporating extensive whaling lore and maritime detail
- Featuring the famous opening line: "Call me Ishmael."
- Influencing modern literature, film, and cultural discourse
- Being cited in academic and literary circles for its depth and complexity
- Inspiring adaptations, parodies, and reinterpretations across media
- Serving as a symbol of obsession and the human struggle against nature
- Being studied as a foundational text in American literary studies

## Body

### History and Creation
Moby-Dick was written by Herman Melville, who completed the novel in 1850. It was first published in two installments: in London on October 18, 1851, and in New York on November 14, 1851. The novel was inspired by Melville’s own experiences aboard whaling ships and historical events such as the sinking of the *Essex* by a sperm whale in 1820. The book’s creation was also influenced by Melville’s reading of Shakespeare, the Bible, and philosophical works.

### Literary Significance
Moby-Dick is a literary work that transcends genre boundaries, combining elements of nautical fiction, adventure fiction, and philosophical allegory. It is considered a masterpiece of American literature and is often studied for its symbolic depth and narrative complexity. The novel’s themes include obsession, fate, and the human condition, and it is noted for its rich use of metaphor and allusion.

### Characters and Narrative
The novel is narrated by Ishmael, who joins the crew of the whaling ship *Pequod*, captained by the obsessive Ahab. Ahab is driven by a vendetta against the white whale, Moby Dick, which had previously destroyed his leg. The narrative explores Ahab’s quest while delving into the lives and philosophies of the diverse crew members, including the harpooneer Queequeg and the first mate Starbuck.

### Publication and Reception
Upon its initial release, Moby-Dick received mixed reviews and was not a commercial success. Over time, however, it gained recognition as a literary masterpiece. The novel’s reputation has grown through academic study and cultural reinterpretation, and it is now regarded as one of the greatest works of fiction ever written.

### Cultural Impact
Moby-Dick has had a lasting impact on literature, philosophy, and popular culture. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including films, plays, and operas. The novel’s themes and characters continue to resonate, and it is frequently referenced in academic and artistic contexts. Its influence is evident in the works of later writers and thinkers who have drawn on its themes of obsession and existential inquiry.

### Related Entities and Inspirations
Moby-Dick is connected to several historical and literary influences:
- **Herman Melville**: The author, born in 1819, was a prominent American writer and poet. He also wrote *White-Jacket* and *Pierre; or, The Ambiguities*.
- **Captain Ahab**: A fictional character created by Melville, Ahab is the obsessed captain of the *Pequod*.
- **Ishmael**: The narrator of the novel, whose opening line, "Call me Ishmael," is one of the most famous in literature.
- **The Whale**: The white whale, Moby Dick, is central to the novel’s plot and symbolism.
- **Melville Glacier**: A glacier in Antarctica named in honor of Herman Melville.

### Bibliographic and Archival Data
Moby-Dick is cataloged under numerous identifiers and classifications, including:
- **Library of Congress Classification**: PS2384
- **Dewey Decimal Classification**: 813.3
- **Open Library ID**: OL21501229W
- **Wikidata ID**: Q19399931
- **Goodreads ID**: 15540
- **British Library ID**: b0b375ac-ef58-4922-a227-2127e500a1aa
- **BNF ID**: 120108674
- **GND ID**: 4204518-6
- **LCCN**: n88282472
- **VIAF ID**: 92145857808123020242
- **Sitelink Count**: 86

### Thematic Elements
Moby-Dick explores themes such as:
- **Obsession**: Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the white whale.
- **Fate and Free Will**: The interplay between destiny and human agency.
- **Nature and the Sublime**: The awe-inspiring and destructive power of the natural world.
- **Existentialism**: Questions about the meaning of life and human purpose.
- **Symbolism**: The white whale as a symbol of the unknowable and the sublime.

### Legacy and Influence
Moby-Dick has left an indelible mark on literature and culture. It has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and operas, and continues to be a subject of academic study. Its themes and characters have inspired countless reinterpretations, and its influence is evident in the works of writers and thinkers who have drawn on its rich symbolism and philosophical depth.

## References

1. IdRef
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Tracking the versions of Moby–Dick](https://melville.electroniclibrary.org/tracking-the-versions-moby-dick)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Moby Dick by Herman Melville | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL21501229W/Moby_Dick?edition=ia%3Amobydick0000herm_f2n7)
6. Personality Database
7. [Source](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-true-life-horror-that-inspired-moby-dick-17576/)
8. [Moby Dick | Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki | Fandom](https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Moby_Dick)
9. [Source](http://americanbookreview.org/100bestlines.asp)
10. Library of Congress
11. Classify
12. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute