Biblical and Mythological Allusions In Hermon Melville’s “Moby Dick” “An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art.” (Thompson 1155). Writers often use biblical and mythological allusions to which their readers are familiar. In Moby Dick, Herman Melville constantly uses biblical and mythological allusions. With these allusions the reader understand the topic of discussion and is also exposed to the wisdom and knowledge that Melville possess. The …showed first 75 words of 598 total…

…showed last 75 words of 598 total…statement than if he were to say, “I decided to go on a whaling voyage because I felt like it” (Donohue 19). There are many more allusions in Moby Dick. Melville effectively shows the reader his intelligence. The allusions in Moby Dick are to commonly known people and conflicts. This makes the novel easier for the reader to comprehend. Although critics were harsh after the release of Moby Dick, the novel is now considered American Classic.