by John Sarkis

Created on: May 17, 2008

I can't imagine anything more transcendental or unique than the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg. Not only is "Moby Dick" the greatest American novel ever written; but its themes are very original and futuristic to say the least....

First of all: in a time in American history where human rights were at an absolute low. It's refreshing to see Melville creating such a great, and yet unique character like Queequeg. The satire though (if one can call it that) comes with his cannibalism. Not only is he a pagan and a savage, but to add insult to injury, he's a cannibals too. Of course Ishmael (who represents Melville in the novel) is not only very educated, but extremely open minded too.

Later on in the novel they both fade in significance. Melville was trying to say: does it matter who is first or last. Ishmael even makes fun at Queequeg's behavior at times, as if to say: are you really a savage, perhaps you're somewhat educated and refined, or perhaps we're all somewhat savages ourselves at time. A poignant point Melville makes at the end of the Novel.

Ahab and Starbuck are two extremely metaphorical characters too. One is intellectual and intelligent; the other a complete savage to say the least. Starbuck shows his intellect by remaining cool throughout...but: at the end all breaks loose. Starbuck's intellect goes down the tubes when he decides to pursue the whale after Ahab is killed. Another great message from the greatest American writer of all times (in my point of view); what is being an intellectual, and what is being a savage? Melville thought man possessed a bit of both.

Melville was one of the greatest geniuses in the history of literature. He talked about subject that were considered taboo in the 19th century. The idea that a Christian/Protestant would befriend; not only a savage but a cannibal at that; was completely unheard of in Melville's time. The only true intellectual was Ishmael (who represents Melville), he was open minded to befriend a savage like Queequeg, and furthermore: he wasn't afraid of him. In a time where different cultures and religions couldn't come together, its hard to understand where such a character came from...only Melville could have done with a bit of Satire, enlightenment, but never cynicism. For cynicism doesn't exist in the language of such a great genious like Melville, but enlightment; "you can't have one without the other" as the saying goes. When it's all said and done: only Melville can create "Satire" without a hint of "cynicism....

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