Quote by Carl Clinton Van Doren

Melville brought to the task a sound knowledge of actual whaling, much curious learning in the literature of the subject, and, above all, an imagination which worked with great power upon the facts of his own experience.


Melville brought to the task a sound knowledge of actual wha

Summary

This quote emphasizes that the author Herman Melville possessed the necessary tools to write about whaling in his novel Moby-Dick. He had extensive knowledge and understanding of the actual practice of whaling, as well as a deep familiarity with the literature surrounding the topic. However, what set Melville apart was his powerful imagination, which allowed him to weave together his own personal experiences with the facts he had gathered, resulting in a rich and captivating narrative.

By Carl Clinton Van Doren
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

We stand at the crossroads, each minute, each hour, each day, making choices. We choose the thoughts we allow ourselves to think, the passions we allow ourselves to feel, and the actions we allow ourselves to perform. Each choice is made in the context of whatever value system we have selected to govern our lives. In selecting that value system, we are, in a very real way, making the most important choice we will ever make.Those who believe there is one God who made all things and who governs the world by this providence will make many choices different from those who do not. Those who hold in reverence that being who gave them life and worship Him through adoration, prayer, and thanksgiving will make choices different from those who do not. Those who believe that mankind are all of a family and that the most acceptable service of God is doing good to man will make many choices different from those who do not. Those who believe in a future state in which all that is wrong here will be made right will make many choices different from those who do not. Those who subscribe to the morals of Jesus will make many choices different from those who do not.Since the foundation of all happiness is thinking rightly, and since correct action is dependent on correct opinion, we cannot be too careful in choosing the value system we allow to govern our thoughts and actions.And to know that God governs in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayers, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, is, indeed, a powerful regulator of human conduct.

Benjamin Franklin