Based on the following excerpt, in what ways does the whale serve as a contextual symbol for humanity in Herman Melville's Moby-Di**?

A.

The whale symbolizes the character's anger about being out on the ocean.

B.

The whale, described as white, symbolizes the purity of humanity's intentions.

C.

Because the whale is so evasive, it becomes a symbol of humanity's struggle with discovering the meaning of life.

D.

Because the whale is described as white, it becomes a symbol of humanity's passion for discovering new things.

Question

English

Robert Fletcher

26 December, 22:21

Based on the following excerpt, in what ways does the whale serve as a contextual symbol for humanity in Herman Melville's Moby-Di**?

A.

The whale symbolizes the character's anger about being out on the ocean.

B.

The whale, described as white, symbolizes the purity of humanity's intentions.

C.

Because the whale is so evasive, it becomes a symbol of humanity's struggle with discovering the meaning of life.

D.

Because the whale is described as white, it becomes a symbol of humanity's passion for discovering new things.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Glenn Crane · Answer 1

Because the whale is so evasive, it becomes a symbol of humanity's struggle with discovering the meaning of life.

Answer: Option C.

Explanation:

Melville represents Moby Di and his whiteness as a symbol of many things. Some of things represented by it and the whiteness were nature, evil, fate, the universe itself and God.

The symbolism of the white whale is deliberately enigmatic and it's inscrutability. It is difficult and is presented as a challenge to the readers of the story.