Literature Moby-Dick 10/6/22

Dusting Off the Classics: Moby-Dick

Call me Ishmael. It may be the most famous first line in literary history, from a book many still consider the “great American novel.” Yet for all its fame, Moby-Dick by Herman Melville is notoriously unread and misunderstood. That famous introductory line, for instance, is not at the beginning of the book as widely believed; nor is this highly symbolic novel solely the story of a mad captain in search of a white whale. So what is Moby-Dick? What is at the core of this mysterious, grand, encyclopedic, dark, funny book that makes some readers fear it and others consider it the most significant work in all of American literature? Let Professor of English and Literary Arts, Clark Davis, guide you through this epic voyage of The Pequod. What makes this novel unique and important in the history of 19th-century American writing? What are its major themes, images and influences? How did Melville’s voluminous reading of British Renaissance literature influence his very American voice? What does MobyDick convey about 21st-century political and social life? Whether visiting Queequeg and the crew after many years, or finally tackling this monumental tome for the first time, come away with new thinking about the dark quest for that “grand hooded phantom” that haunts the American imagination. Bi-weekly schedule accommodates reading time.

Four Zoom sessions

Thur., Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 3, 17, 2022, 6:30–8:30 pm MT ENRICH 0668 / $140

Clark Davis, professor in the Department of English and Literary Arts, specializes in American literature and is the author of three books, including After the Whale: Melville in the Wake of Moby-Dick. What Our Students Are Saying For the Love of Learning!

I have taken many classes through the Enrichment Program. So far, this was my favorite. The instructor presented difficult information in a thoughtful, thought-provoking, and efficient way. I was sorry that the two hours passes so quickly!

Instructor was so knowledge and clear in his explanations. He tuned into the questions asked so well and gave thorough, insightful answers. It was a great class.

I enjoyed the clarity of instruction, support of student’s work, philosophy of teaching art and encouraging individual styles of contour drawings. It was upbeat and a good use of Zoom.

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Interesting information from an authoritative source.

Very thorough explanations of the content.

Great teacher, very knowledgeable, kept it interesting. Could have stayed for another 10 hours.

Loved the style of the instructors in that they really encouraged participation of the attendees.

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Solid, factual and historical background to provide context for media sound bite coverage.

I learned a lot and admired the instructor and his experience and knowledge.

The instructor was clear in her directions, she didn’t waste time and she was genuinely enthused about what she was teaching.

Great mix of historical perspective and present situation.

Very interesting material presented by a dynamic instructor.