Moby Dick by Herman Melville

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Description:

Set aboard the Pequod on the high seas of the early nineteenth century, Moby Dick is narrated by Ishmael, a former schoolmaster who takes a job on a whaling ship with his newfound friend Queequeg. They discover that the ship’s commander is the one-legged fanatic Captain Ahab, whose only goal in life is to kill the great white whale that crippled him. The novel examines the conflict between nature and humanity, between the warrior-hero’s glory and madness, and between the work’s protagonist and antagonist.

Activities:

Students study whales and the whaling industry; identify religious references and mythological allusions; explore Melville’s use of humor, wit, and detail; and discuss plot, theme, symbols, religious connotations, and superstitions. Lessons include questions for critical thinking, writing assignments for enhancing skills in literary analysis, and topics for research papers and oral reports.

An objective test with answer key is provided in the final lesson.

Ethical Values:

Compassion
Endurance
Respect