Flight from Home: Some Episodes in the Life of Herman Melville

Melville is an important and interesting figure in American literature. On several accounts he is entitled to an enduring fame. He has been surpassed by nobody as a chronicler of the sea. If the parts of the universe ever come to representation then surely will Melville be the representative of the seas and oceans. Thanks to Melville the intimate story of whaling has been preserved for us. One of the earliest and most charming accounts of the South Sea Islands when they were still relatively unspoiled came from Melville's pen. From the purely literary standpoint he is one of the world's great masters of prose. Most of all his fame rests on the creation of a great masterpiece, “Moby Dick.”

In this paper we shall consider his early career up to his writing of “Moby Dick” at the age of thirty-two. A detailed analysis of his preceding books, “Mardi” and “Redburn” will throw light not only on Melville's character in general but specifically on two episodes in his early life, soon to be recounted, which I have designated “flight from home.” In addition valuable suggestions emerge from the books in question as to the significance of the writing process itself, the functions for Melville of his literary activity. Whether generalizations can be made from these I am not prepared to say.

Melville was born in New York City on August 1, 1819, a second son and third child. On both sides of his family he was descended from a long and prolific line of the best American stock. Both grandfathers had distinguished themselves in the Revolution. On the father's side descent could be traced from a 13th century Scotch nobleman. The mother's side had its roots in the best Colonial Dutch families.

The father, Allan, came from a well-to-do, cultivated family. He had no university education but was well travelled. At eighteen he made his first trip abroad. In all, eventually he made seven. He was a merchant importer in dry goods and notions from France.