The Extracts section started with Bible verses. Maybe it was chosen to hook the reader… why else would one of the most influential books of all time be referenced? But this isn’t just for attention… all the “extracted” references hints into how and why Moby Dick is symbolic. To short references like Hamlet’s “very like a whale” to poems and action sequences in novels, this section shows how whales have been symbolic in the past and how it became even more so far after post-publication. My favorite reference was “And pray, sir, what in the world is equal to it?” said by Edmund Burke. It’s true, a whale takes over the title of the largest animal ever.
How did I feel or think about this? Well… I could only connect how it was symbolic. I don’t have thoughts or anything on this section unfortunately, nor do I have a notable reaction unless you’d count a blunt “oh, yeah.”
Moby-Dick
ECL 522: Fall 2025. Professor Pressman
Hey Zach,
You did an amazing discussion! I just recently noticed everything I have read so far throughout this course has tons of symbolism and everything ties to Moby-Dick, which I find to be very interesting.
I’d like to see you push further and use the blogs as space to develop and practice analytical interpretation. Rather than just pointing something out and saying you don’t know what it means, try to develop an interpretation. Spend a bit more time thinking about WHY your point or insight matters… These are the skills you will need for your midterm essays.
I’d like to see you push further and use the blogs as space to develop and practice analytical interpretation. Rather than just pointing something out and saying you don’t know what it means, try to develop an interpretation. Spend a bit more time thinking about WHY your point or insight matters. These are the skills you will need for your midterm essays.