"Why Read Moby Dick?"

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of the book, Why Read Moby Dick? and in it he explains exactly what one would think; the importance of reading the Herman Mellville classic Moby Dick. After publication, Philbrick spoke in an interview on NPR. The interviewer started of with the question at hand: why read Moby Dick? Philbrick says right away that Moby Dick is the closest thing to the "American Bible" and also says that it is "full of great wisdom." He explains that Mellville was inspired by a friend to write outside of his normal style and create an adventurous story. Another inspiration was Mellville's respect for Shakespeare's writing, which influenced Mellville's use of language. Mellville drew off of past experiences as well as looking to the state of his nation at the time he wrote the story. By doing this, it makes Moby Dick able to withstand the test of time in our nation. The style of writing in the book, the way it is sometimes spontaneous and seems to go off on tangents opens up the opportunity to include poetry and great imagery. Philbrick states that "the level of the writing is truly poetic and yet he's (Mellville) telling this epic story." Philbrick believes that the story is an allegory for the way of life in the mid 1850's. Within Moby Dick there is a smattering of races who sail together with a common cause, and it wasn't until the book was rediscovered and the genius was recognized that the impact that the mingling of races had was truly appreciated. Philbrick believes that whenever our nation is going to face a cataclysm similar to the Civil War, Moby Dick is going to be a tale that many cling to for this reason. Philbrick defends the story by pointing out not only how it is a literary masterpiece, but also pointing out the effect that the themes of the story have. Moby Dick has had, and will continue to have a lasting effect on The United States of America.