Moby-Dick facts for kids
Moby-Dick is a famous novel written by Herman Melville. It was first published in 1851. The story is told by a sailor named Ishmael. He joins a whaling ship called the Pequod. The ship's captain is named Ahab. Captain Ahab wants to hunt and kill a giant white whale called Moby Dick. This whale bit off his leg in the past. At first, people had mixed feelings about the book. But now, Moby-Dick is seen as one of the greatest novels ever written.
About the Author
The author of Moby-Dick was Herman Melville. He was an American writer. Melville was born in New York City in 1819. He spent many years working on ships. These experiences helped him write his famous sea stories. He wrote Moby-Dick while living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He finished the book in 1851.
The Story of Moby-Dick
The story begins with Ishmael. He is a young sailor looking for adventure. He decides to go on a whaling voyage. He joins the crew of the Pequod. This ship is from Nantucket, Massachusetts. On board, Ishmael meets many interesting characters. These include the brave harpooner Queequeg.
The captain of the Pequod is Ahab. He is a strong but troubled man. Ahab has only one leg. A giant white whale named Moby Dick bit it off. Captain Ahab is obsessed with finding this whale. He wants to get revenge on Moby Dick. He makes his crew promise to help him hunt the whale.
The ship sails across the world's oceans. They hunt other whales along the way. But Ahab's main goal is always Moby Dick. He ignores dangers and warnings. His obsession puts the entire crew at risk. The story builds to a dramatic final chase.
Why is Moby-Dick Famous?
Moby-Dick is more than just a whaling story. It explores many deep ideas. It talks about good versus evil. It also looks at human obsession and revenge. The book shows how one person's quest can affect everyone around them.
The novel is known for its amazing descriptions. Melville writes about the sea, whales, and whaling life. He also includes facts about whales. The book is considered a classic of American literature. It has inspired many movies, plays, and other works.
Images for kids
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Queequeg, as illustrated in a 1902 edition
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Moby Dick, as illustrated in a 1902 edition
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Herman Melville
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Arrowhead, the house in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in which Melville worked on Moby-Dick
See also
In Spanish: Moby-Dick para niños
