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

Comparing Henry David Thoreau and Herman Melvilles WritingsHenry David Thoreau and Herman Melville focused their writings on howman was affected by nature. They translated their philosophies though both theportrayal of their protagonist and their declare self exploration. In Moby Dick,Melville writes about Ahabs physical and metaphysical struggle everyplace the greatwhite whale, Moby Dick, typic of mans struggle against the overwhelmingforces of nature. Ahabs quest is reported and experienced through the eyes ofIshmael. Melvilles use of the third persons biographical standpoint exposes contrary viewpoints that were both in agreement 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 impinges with mans struggle againstnature. In, Walden - A life in the Woods, Thoreau reveals his mental andspiritual beliefs through a personal journey in which he strives to become intune with n ature, working not to be victorious over these universal forces, butrather to participate in harmony with nature, in tern exposing get it on and truth.Both authors attempt to analyze all aspects of nature and its relevanceto human life. They explore the powers 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 teach mankind to live harmoniously in our naturalenvironment in turn, allowing individuals to reach the highest levels of attainment 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 desire to destroy Moby Dick, his nemesis, which is truly exemplary of mans overwhelming quest to control and conquer nature. Melvilled epicts Ahab as an evil, egotistical human whose willingness to combat theforces of nature represents mans failure to understand his place in theuniverse. Melville uses Ishmael to utter his philosophies which portray Ahab asa crazy captain who fails to realize that hes up an unconquerable force.Melville utilizes Ishmael further 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 counseling 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 steady and nature, and a t the same time he contrasts his desires against