Herman Melville: the art of telling the truth
Loading...
Files
Date
1972
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Those of Melville's critics who note his ambiguity usually react in one of two ways. Either they try to solve his ambiguity, or they decide that his "art" is hopelessly confused. My study maintains, however, that instead of attempting to explain away Melville's ambiguity, one should see that ambiguity is Melville's message to the reader. It is deliberate and it is an integral part of his overall purpose to portray a world of constantly shifting, ambiguous values. Melville's "art" is not confused. He demonstrates firm artistic control in his use of plot structure, symbols, and archetypal images. Ambiguity of meaning in combination with clarity of technique is Melville's "art of telling the truth."
Description
Keywords
Major English