In his introduction, Andrew Delbanco proposes the idea that Moby-Dick “is a book of universal reach about the neediness of men when they are denied the props of rank and custom; a book about what can happen to men in conditions of radical exposure.” (Delbanco 23) This idea to me reminds us that Melville’s novel is not simply about whaling but about the fragility of human beings when societal structures are stripped away from us. People rely on these “props of rank and custom” – social hierarchies, traditions, and institutions – to give them identity and purpose. When these “props” are gone, individuals find themselves exposed and vulnerable, forced to find a purpose by themselves, which can cause social conflict and loss of identity.
I feel like the setting of the ocean helps intensify this theme. At sea, crews are radically isolated, they are cut off from the stabilization that lands provide. Crewmates are their only support available, but these relationships can be fragile due to each individual’s intentions, like their selfishness or corruption, for instance. Delbanco states that Melville highlights how easily individuals can become needy when stripped of their “ranks” in society. It will be interesting to see how this is reflecting onto the novel and see how the crew mates interact with one another. What betrayal and mischief will occur?
Delbanco also emphasizes the importance of politics in this novel. The ship functions as an allegory for America, representing a diverse and unstable nation struggling with race, class, and authority. He mentions that the ship gathers many different people from different backgrounds, yet hierarchies are still present and favor white men. The ship reflects the fragility of American democracy and the individuals a part of that democracy. It is interesting because, although we -arguably- have advanced as a society, we still carry some of those ideals. White men are still at the top of the societal ladder. It will be interesting to read this novel and see how it is still impactful today. By stripping away the “props” of everyday society and forcing them to recreate it on the ship, Melville exposes the instability of political and social life, which makes Moby-Dick more than just whaling, it is both a psychological study and a political allegory of America.
Hello, Liz! Thank you for your helpful commentary on the Introduction. I think you raise a very interesting point in focusing on what happens when we get rid of the societal constructions we live by in our day to day lives. It kind of reminds me of Lord of the Flies, where the point is to examine human nature and whether it is inherently good or bad once we get rid of all instruction and authority. I am eager to explore that side of Moby-Dick, the one that exposes humanity in its most bare form and shows us what we’re truly capable of.