I
have always wanted to read Moby Dick, and this seminar has given me a
great chance to do so. Melville wrote the novel in a young America, not much
older than Israel is today. Both countries seem to have dealt with similar
problems: the assimilation of a diaspora based society, the intricate
relationship with the residence of the land before it became a country, issues of
physical and moral borders and many more examples. I find it interesting that
the novel manages to overcome the boundaries of time, and illuminate social and
national problems that are as much part of our day to day discourse as they
were in Melville’s time.
Israel
of 2012 is not an easy place to live in. It sometimes seems that we are all
crewmates on board the Peqoud, sailing through the oceans of the world alone.
An isolated vessel, guided by a captain, who is eloquent and charismatic, but
much like Ahab, wishes us to fear and resist a remote enemy that threatens our
mere survival. The discourse of destruction is very dominant and discouraging. And
here too economy is the main force behind the journey, though we are now
chasing oil and gas, not spermaceti.
The
ship mates that are supposed to help stir this vessel do not form an opposition
and are incapable to replace the captain.
As
residence in this country, we are faced with the problems of democracy each and
every day; we test the limitations of the freedom of expression and the
relationship with the minorities of society. The distinction between land and
sea in the novel alludes to the question of our geographical borders, and the
struggle over territory. Like Melville, we question the relations between
religion and state and the relationships with different religions.
By analyzing
the experience of reading Moby Dick in the context of our place and
time, I have come to respect and cherish it as a great work of art. I think that
its prominence lies in the fact that it can be read as relevant in any place
and any time, since it deals with the very core of human existence which never
changes.
Hi Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that reading Melville is indeed relevant to our own context here in our time, and that we do face the problems of democracy each day (as I was just discussing here earlier with Assaf). Also in terms of 'us against the world' we do tend to be at times drifting alone out there, defending our good name feverishly in front of other nations, a tough task indeed for our brave global defenders, few as they might be. So, as for Melville, given the discussions and questions he manages to raise amongst us foreign readers today after so many years since first published, I have to agree with you once again, indeed a fascinating work of art.
Thank you kindly!
Adi