Academia.edu: Review of "Melville and the White Whale"

Review of Richard Mather's poem "Melville and the White Whale"

Overview

"Melville and the White Whale" is a richly evocative, poetic meditation on Herman Melville’s "Moby-Dick". The submission offers an introspective journey into the symbolic and literal expanse of Melville’s narrative, threading a nuanced commentary on themes of obsession, nature, and human fallibility. Written in a freeform verse with motifs tying back to the piscine leviathan itself, the piece delves into the existential undercurrents that define the human struggle with the sublime and the ineffable. The work hinges on the assumption that readers possess a familiarity with "Moby-Dick" and its multifaceted interpretations, both as a literary masterpiece and a profound philosophical inquiry.

Relevant References

Including a clear literature review helps reviewers quickly see what's new and why it matters, which can speed up the review and improve acceptance chances. The following references were selected because they relate closely to the topics and ideas in your submission. They may provide helpful context, illustrate similar methods, or point to recent developments that can strengthen how your work is positioned within the existing literature.

1. Clark, Robert. “Herman Melville: Writing as Whaling.” Palgrave Macmillan UK EBooks, Palgrave Macmillan, 1984, doi:10.1007/978-1-349-17688-5_6.

2. “After the Whale: Melville in the Wake of Moby-Dick.” Choice Reviews Online, Association of College and Research Libraries, 1996, doi:10.5860/choice.33-2589.

3. Hao, Yu, and Ren Chi. “White Whale in Moby-Dick.” Cross-Cultural Communication, Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture (CAOOC), 2013, http://cscanada.org/index.php/ccc/article/view/j.ccc.1923670020130906.H723.

4. “What Is a Whale? Moby-Dick, Marine Science and the Sublime.” The International Library of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Ethics, Springer Nature (Netherlands), 2008, doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-6492-0_4.

5. Wang, Ying. “Exploring the Implication of ‘White Whale.” Journal of Anhui Institute of Education, Anhui Education College, 2004, https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-AFJY200402020.htm.

6. Coleman, Dawn. “Wreck of the Whale Ship Essex: The Complete Illustrated Edition: The Extraordinary and Distressing Memoir That Inspired Herman Melville’s by Owen Chase.” Leviathan, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015, doi:10.1353/lvn.2015.0048.

7. Shore, Christopher Morrison. “Does the Whale’s Magnitude Diminish?” Melville’s Use of Thomas Beale’s The Natural History of the Sperm Whale. 2012, https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/listing.aspx?id=8788.

8. Severin, Timothy. In Search of Moby Dick: Quest for the White Whale. 2000, https://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA53604022.

9. Barnard, John Levi. “The Cod and the Whale: Melville in the Time of Extinction.” American Literature, Duke University Press, 2017, doi:10.1215/00029831-4257892.

10. Kyu, Joo Hyeuk. “Deferral Signification: Melville’s Wrestle with the Immeasurable in Moby-Dick; or The Whale.” The New Korean Journal of English Lnaguage & Literature, The New Korean Association of English Language and Literature, 2010, doi:10.25151/nkje.2010.52.4.010.

Strengths

The submission's greatest strength lies in its vivid linguistic style, which echoes the grandeur and mythic quality of Melville’s original prose. The author successfully captures the elusive and enigmatic nature of the white whale, serving as an allegorical canvas for existential exploration. Notably, the work's originality stands out, as it brings a fresh perspective to the well-explored themes of obsession and man's relentless pursuit of meaning. This reconstruction of Melville's narrative into poetic form invites readers to appreciate the depth and complexity of the original work from an innovative angle.

Major Comments

Methodology

The work primarily employs a creative, narrative approach rather than a traditional academic analysis. While this allows for a powerful and immersive experience, it might benefit from an additional analytical framework to bridge the creative narrative with critical insights. Anchoring some of the creative elements in literary theory or philosophical discourse could strengthen its academic rigor.

Thematic Exploration

While the themes are profound, their exploration remains somewhat enigmatic, potentially distancing readers unfamiliar with Melville’s work. Clearly articulating the interpretative lens through which the author views these themes could enhance comprehension and engagement, allowing a broader audience to connect with the text.

Minor Comments

Formatting and Structure

The submission's freeform structure suits its poetic style, yet adopting a clearer division into thematic or narrative sections may bolster readability. This could be achieved without compromising the fluid, artistic expression, by subtly introducing transitions or thematic markers.

Terminology

Certain phrases might confuse readers who lack a thorough background in Melville's literature or the period's cultural references. Providing brief annotations or a glossary may assist in contextualizing these references, thus enhancing reader accessibility and engagement.

Reviewer Commentary

This submission invites interdisciplinary dialogue, traversing literature, philosophy, and environmental ethics. It raises open questions on how narrative form and language influence literary interpretation and meaning-making processes. Additionally, it prompts a reflection on the role of literature in engaging with ecological and existential concerns pertinent to both Melville’s era and today.

Summary Assessment

"Melville and the White Whale" is an intellectually stimulating reimagining of "Moby-Dick" that deftly interlaces narrative and philosophical reflections. It situates itself at the intersection of creative and critical literature, contributing to ongoing conversations about human self-reflection and our relationship with nature. The work’s artistic approach, while occasionally obscure, deepens the interpretive potential of Melville's original narrative, offering opportunities for rich discussion and further scholarship.

Successfully marrying literary creativity with thoughtful critique, this work not only honors Melville’s legacy but also extends it into new intellectual and artistic territories.