Ilana Pardes' description of Melville as a "'pilgrim-infidel' who never ceases to wander between the two poles" (7) is very interesting particularly because of his Calvinist upbringing.
Ever since I studied about Calvinism it always seemed to me the most distressing form of religious existence due to the belief in pre-destination, the Elect and the Reprobates. I can only imagine the anxiety a Calvinist experiences on a daily basis. Therefore, I find Pardes' analysis of biblical exegesis as a central element in Moby Dick compelling. Since Melville's typology is always on the brink of blasphemy (sometimes even being entirely critical), I am wondering whether this form of biblical exegesis provided for Melville a form of release or whether it was the epitome of his religious suffering as a Calvinist.
Also, interestingly enough, Yunte Huang mentions that "antinomianism is a hidden issue in Melville, its manifestations are often indirect and yet potentially strong" (91-93). Perhaps calling Melville a non-believer would be inaccurate, but it is definitely clear from both the epic-ness and the subversiveness of biblical typologies in his writing that he is able to deconstruct the biblical narrative yet mystify it at the same time.
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