My First Review of Herman Melville – A Writer’s Writer
The first thing I notice about Melville’s Writing
Whenever I pick up a work by Herman Melville, his writing style is a bit of a shock to my system because his work is more than a few notches higher than what I am accustomed to reading in terms of grade level and the need to hold complex ideas in my mind. I need to recalibrate my reading mind over the first few pages.
While I believe that most of us are up to the task when it comes to stepping up to Melville’s level, I wanted to point out that his writing style and mastery of the English language both soar to loftier heights than what you’ll encounter in the vast majority of today’s media and best selling written material, whether fiction or not.
If you stick with Melville and weather the storm of discomfort by leveling up to where he is, then you’re going to reap the rewards of enjoying his elegant turns of phrase and his rhythmic way of expression.
But if you’re anything like me you’re going to have to plow through a few chapters, or a few of his short stories, before your mind readjusts, recalibrates. At times, his expressions and metaphors will leave you puzzled, but eventually you’ll become more astute to the old fashioned word usage and the references to the state of affairs that were current in the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century.
In other words, if you trust in Melville and keep reading his work consistently, and stick with it, then you’ll soon find yourself getting into his groove. You’ll start to take delight in the huge gamut of his sentence and paragraph structure.
Melville’s Message to Me
When reading Melville nowadays, I find his writing to be eminently personable, his voice a confiding one. He vividly conveys private fears, overwrought feelings of sensibility and stories of how his character’s thoughts get out of hand. In this way, he provides an authentic view of the stormy drives and distorted perceptions of his characters within the larger context of their yearning to see what the world has to offer. This results in a series of dramatic conclusions that reveal a poignant contrast between one’s preconceptions and actual reality.
What Others Say
I’ve read that his critics see these comparisons and contrasts as having basis in political or sociological realms. Really? I feel that what Melville tells us cuts through to a much deeper level of our psyches, a place where we are all essentially the same with respect to our intimate impressions of the world, irrespective of any ideological construct.
My Message to You
Melville is well worth the initial effort of stepping up and recalibrating your reading mind to what he has to offer. Do not get hoodwinked by any critic who has failed to prime his own intellectual pump by getting into the same groove as Melville. Also, don’t be swayed by any off hand theory that subscribes to any kind of political or sociological stricture. Read his work to appreciate the level of mastery to which he has elevated the craft of writing. I would even suggest that you invest some time into emulating his style once you have acclimatized yourself to it. You will reap rich rewards. You’ll be given the key to delving into lost worlds and experiences, and in the end you will have gained a friend.
What to Read
My first Melville novel was Typee, the story of a pair of English sailors who had disembarked on one of the Marquesas Islands at the remote limits of Polynesian world, as of then untrammeled by contact with the modern world. It was a grand adventure that transported me into completely new and exciting scenarios. I recommend you start with Typee.
A few years ago I stumbled upon his short stories. They all captivated me for the reasons above. Be sure to get your hands on an anthology of his short stories, available from Thrift Books if they’re out of print.
I must admit that I’ve only recently started to read Moby Dick, so I will have to comment on that in a future revision of this post. I also plan to read Omoo and Mardi.
How AI has Summarized Herman Melville’s Work for Me
Here’s what ChatGPT had to say about Melville in response to this text prompt: “Please list some benefits of reading the works of Herman Melville. Describe how studying his writing style can benefit a writer.”
ChatGPT Response
Reading the works of Herman Melville, one of the most influential American authors of the 19th century, offers several benefits. Here are some key advantages of exploring his writings:
- Rich and Complex Narratives: Melville’s works, such as “Moby-Dick” and “Billy Budd,” are known for their intricate and multilayered narratives. They provide readers with a profound and immersive reading experience, delving into various themes, symbolism, and moral dilemmas. By engaging with Melville’s storytelling, readers can develop a deeper understanding of complex narratives and learn how to incorporate depth and intricacy into their own writing.
- Exploration of Human Nature: Melville often delves into the depths of human nature and the complexities of human character. His characters are deeply flawed, grappling with moral conflicts and psychological struggles. By studying Melville’s portrayals, readers can gain insight into human psychology, learn to create multidimensional characters, and explore the depths of human emotions in their own writing.
- Mastery of Language: Melville was a masterful wordsmith, renowned for his rich and evocative prose. His works contain beautifully crafted sentences, vivid descriptions, and powerful imagery. By immersing oneself in Melville’s language, aspiring writers can enhance their own writing style. They can learn to wield language effectively, experiment with different sentence structures, and cultivate a more poetic and evocative writing voice.
- Symbolism and Allegory: Melville’s works are rich in symbolism and allegorical elements. From the white whale in “Moby-Dick” to the symbolic implications of the characters in “Billy Budd,” Melville weaves layers of meaning throughout his stories. Studying his works can help writers develop a keen eye for symbolism and allegory, enabling them to incorporate these literary devices in their own writing to convey deeper meanings and add layers of complexity.
- Exploration of Themes: Melville’s writings touch upon various universal themes such as obsession, morality, fate, and the nature of evil. By engaging with these themes, readers can broaden their understanding of timeless human dilemmas and gain insights into different philosophical perspectives. Writers can draw inspiration from Melville’s exploration of these themes and develop their own unique perspectives in their work.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Melville’s works are situated within a specific historical and cultural context, reflecting the socio-political climate of the 19th century. By studying his writings, readers can gain a deeper understanding of that era, including the nuances of American society, maritime culture, and the influence of Romanticism. This understanding of historical context can inform writers, allowing them to create authentic and well-grounded narratives that reflect specific time periods or cultural settings.
In summary, studying Herman Melville’s writing offers numerous benefits to aspiring writers. His works provide examples of rich and complex narratives, exploration of human nature, mastery of language, symbolism and allegory, thematic depth, and historical context. Engaging with Melville’s writing style can inspire writers to hone their craft, infuse their own works with depth and complexity, and expand their understanding of storytelling techniques.