Course Description: Read and Discuss Moby Dick by Herman Melville (1819-1891), which appeared in 1851. It has a formidable reputation as a masterpiece, but we will emphasize the many different ways we can take pleasure from it. There is a compelling plot, diverse and fascinating characters, descriptions of the oceanic world (both human and otherwise), and observations on life itself. All this written in language that can move from heart-stirring to laughter-making.
Readers find that it helps to encounter the book at a leisurely pace, so we will go slowly.
- Getting to know each other and looking at chapter 1.
- 4 meetings to talk about the book, about 100 pages a session
- Final meeting for thoughts.
The most important way to learn to love this book, and many others, is to dig in to where it works for the reader. In our meetings, be ready to tell the group about your favorite moment in the week’s reading or where you found yourself most baffled/annoyed.
Instructor: Jonathon Arac. Before retiring, Professor Arac taught literature at a number of universities for about 50 years. His most recent and longest tenure was at University of Pittsburgh, where he is Professor Emeritus. He is a noted literary critic who loves talking about great books with other readers.
Location: St. Peters Episcopal Church, 801 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Room 203
Day and Time: Thursdays, February 9 through March 16, 2:30-4:30 pm, 6 sessions
Fee: $40
Materials: Unabridged copy of Moby Dick that starts with “Etymology” and “Extracts” going on through chapters 1-135. Hard copy, rather than digital, is strongly recommend. The Norton Critical Edition is great if you want all sorts of enrichments, but many students will be happier with an unencumbered text, and there are plenty.
