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
This course is part of American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century Specialization
Instructors: James Dobson
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December 2024
2 assignments
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There are 2 modules in this course
This module explores Moby-Dick, Melville's great American novel by listening to a series of short lectures on the historical and cultural context that informed the writing of Moby-Dick.
What's included
8 videos9 readings1 assignment
This module explores Moby-Dick, Melville's great American novel by listening to a series of short lectures on the historical and cultural context that informed the writing of Moby-Dick.
What's included
5 videos6 readings1 assignment
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in History
Wesleyan University
University of Virginia
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University of Colorado Boulder
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