Comparing Henry David Thoreau And Herman Melvilles Writings :: essays research papers

Comparing Henry David Thoreau and Herman Melvilles WritingsHenry David Thoreau and Herman Melville center their writings on howman was affected by nature. They translated their philosophies though both(prenominal) theportrayal of their protagonist and their let self exploration. In Moby Dick,Melville writes about Ahabs somatogenic and metaphysical jumble over the greatwhite whale, Moby Dick, symbolic of mans clamber against the overwhelmingforces of nature. Ahabs quest is reported and experienced through the eyes ofIshmael. Melvilles employment of the third persons biographical standpoint exposesconflicting viewpoints that were both in organization and disagreement with Ahabsquest, creatively allowing Melville to transcend the story line and expostulatehis own philosophies. In contrast, Thoreau, wrote from an autobiographicalstandpoint revealing his own internal conflicts with mans struggle againstnature. In, Walden - A life in the Woods, Thoreau reveals his mental andspirit ual beliefs through a personal journey in which he strives to become in correct with n ature, working not to be victorious over these ecumenical forces, butrather to participate in harmony with nature, in tern exposing lovemaking and truth.Both authors attempt to analyze all aspects of nature and its relevanceto piece life. They explore the exponents and influences of nature over mankind.However, Melville centers his point of view upon mankind in conflict withnatures forces, while Thoreau believes that if mankind experiences nature, wewill envelope ideas which will drill mankind to live harmoniously in our naturalenvironment in turn, allowing individuals to reach the highest levels ofachievement synergistically with nature.In Moby Dick, Herman Melville illustrates mans quest to attain thesupreme power of God through the monomaniacal Captain Ahab. Captain Ahab isobsessed with the longing to destroy Moby Dick, his nemesis, which is trulysymbolic of mans overwhelming quest to con trol and restrict nature. Melvilledepicts Ahab as an evil, egotistical human whose willingness to combat theforces of nature represents mans failure to render his place in theuniverse. Melville uses Ishmael to voice his philosophies which portray Ahab asa crazy captain who fails to realize that hes up an unconquerable force.Melville utilizes Ishmael get along voice his life philosophies through grosslysymbolic statements like, "No, when I go to sea, I go as a simple sailor I havethe satisfaction that all is right that everybody else is one way or otherserved in much the same way - either in a physical or metaphysical point ofview." (pg. 14 - 15). Through, Ishmael, Melville expresses his longing, for kayo and nature, and a t the same time he contrasts his desires against