A Book of Metaphors Sunday, Apr 26 2009 

1 loveofbooks 8:58 am

The Power of the Metaphor

People who wish to learn how to appreciate good fictional writing must learn to appreciate the power of the metaphor. To a certain extent, all fictional writing must needs make use of the metaphor. In fact, in many fictional works the metaphor is really the whole point of the story.
In Herman Melville’s work; Moby Dick, the metaphors of the story are stressed and re-stressed over and over again. Moby Dick thus becomes a great example for appreciating the mighty power and scope of the metaphor.

Increasing the Power

A tool for conveying and indeed even increasing the power of the metaphor is the choosing of appropriate names. Many authors have found ways to facilitate their use of certain names. In classic fables, the name is often given based on certain physical character traits (For example: Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella). Other authors have used similar techniques. Melville uses biblical names for many of his characters. By so doing he invokes the reader’s automatic associations with the name. Elijah of the bible is the doomsayer prophet who hounds Ahab of the Bible. Similarly, Ishmael’s encounter with Elijah serves to hint at the terrible doom that is destined for Ahab the sea captain and all who will accompany him. Ahab of the Bible is portrayed there as a particularly dramatic fellow. His speeches are cliché like expressions of high drama. This attention to drama eventually leads him to his downfall which he meets with a certain measure of solemn dignity. In a similar manner does Ahab finally realize and meet his doom though he proceeds towards it without swerving from his path. Ahab also feels the high drama which is taking place about him and sees hidden dramatic and morbid meanings in everything that occurs about him. Every element seems to hint to him of his impending doom and Ahab, as a person of drama, feels these hints. Nonetheless he is bent on his path of destruction which leads him to his bitter end.

 

A Podium for Preaching Sunday, Apr 19 2009 

1 loveofbooks 6:51 am

The Preacher Ishmael
Although a great deal of drama is contained within this book, one cannot but notice that Melville uses his chief character to preach to his readers. Ishmael becomes, as the story develops, a somewhat hypocritical philosopher who possess a great deal of insight into many aspects of humanity and humanism (although not entirely obvious, it seems that Ishmael is supposed to have been a well learned teacher before becoming a seaman. This is apparently supposed to explain his excessive wordiness as well as his tendency for bibliographical citations. This background might also serve to explain his seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of certain areas). This preaching is presented in a learned and cynical manner that speaks to the soul. Admittedly though, the writer does at times seem to write overmuch and there are chapters where the reading becomes somewhat tedious.

One for the Readers
In truth, it at times seems that the author, Melville, himself seems to realize that although he has captivated his readers, he holds them by the finest of thread. Thus, in later chapters, he alludes to the fact that although he is aware that the reader might find the reading tedious, nonetheless the reader has no choice but to read the story till its grand finale. The truth of the matter is that such alluding seems to me to constitute readers’ abuse and when I originally realized that that was the meaning behind Melville’s words, I had half a mind to desist right then and there. Even so, Melville’s binding threads withstood the strain and I did not stop my reading until the plot reached its dramatic and destructive end. I was glad that I persevered because the plot conclusion was well worth the patience. Even so, I admit the story could well be re-written with many parts omitted or abbreviated without any significant damage to the story.

 

Reading Moby Dick Sunday, Apr 12 2009 

1 loveofbooks 1:29 pm

A Change of Pace

I thought that it might be worth a change of pace to shift winds. So, I decided to sail the classic waters of the literary ocean with a re-reading of Moby Dick. I must confess that I have not read Melville since my school days and I am glad to report that he has only gotten better over the years (or maybe I have matured somewhat…).

For the Unfamiliar

For those who are unfamiliar, Moby Dick is a classic story written by Melville which describes and discusses whale hunting. The main character is the story teller – one Ishmael. He tells the story of how he joined a whaling expedition with a captain by the name of Ahab. As the story develops it becomes clear that this is no ordinary whaling expedition. Rather, it is a personal journey of vengeance that Ahab has planned in order to hunt down the elusive and dreaded Moby Dick – the white whale which maimed Ahab during a previous voyage. Many of the characters are with biblical names. Ostensibly, the reason for this is that they are all religious Christians and are well connected to their Old Testament traditions. Of course, this also serves as a tool for the author as the reader is supposed to be acquainted with the history of the original biblical characters.

More About Moby Dick

I think that I will devote a few entries to this story as I feel that there is a lot to be derived from this epic classic. For those who don’t care for Melville – I suppose that you will just have to wait until I switch to something else. Those who do read on are certain to find fascinating insights into this great story. I will try to discuss the story from several view points and several levels so that everyone will find a little something…

 

Pratchett and Beliefs Sunday, Apr 5 2009 

1 , loveofbooks 8:14 am

Terry Pratchett and Theology

If there is one point where I seriously disagree with the way Terry Pratchett views the world it is in the realm of theology. Admittedly, this blog is all about books and so this might be considered somewhat of a digression, yet nevertheless, I believe it is a necessary one. Terry Pratchett has very particular views regarding theology and religion. These views are voiced to no end in many of his books. As a rule, he perceives belief as necessary force that drives humanity forward. This element is very elegantly portrayed in several of his books. On the other hand he sees the clergy as being people who take advantage of human nature and pervert it to their own ends. At best, the clergy are simply people who have taken religion too far and have become blinded by it. At worst, they are cynical unbelievers who take advantage of all true believers. The most striking example of this is seen in the book called “Small Gods”.

Truth and Falsehood

It is important to note that as a brilliant author, Pratchett has certainly displayed a deep understanding of the the human psyche. Even so, he certainly does not hold the sole pipeline to the truth and his views can thus be debated or ignored. I would like to propose that in appreciating the human tendency to belief, Pratchett has indeed hit upon a truly fundamental truth. The fact is that humans have a natural tendency to belief and religion. One might claim that this is something pre-programmed by the creator and serves as our way for getting to know “Him” or one might claim (as does Pratchett) that it is a natural product of evolution and we should not worry too much about it. By extension then, clergy are people who have followed this natural tendency to its source and although there are indeed humans who are corrupt in the clergy as well as elsewhere, the clergy themselves are for the most part simply more in touch with an inner part of themselves.