How Do You Spell MOBY DICK?

Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊbi dˈɪk] (IPA)

The title of the classic American novel by Herman Melville is "Moby Dick," pronounced /ˈmoʊ.bi ˈdɪk/. The first word "Moby" is pronounced with a long o sound, as in "hope," and a short i sound, as in "bit." The second word "Dick" is pronounced with a short i sound, as in "tick," and a hard c/k sound at the end. The spelling of the word "Moby" is unique and does not follow any common spelling rules, making it a memorable title for generations of readers.

MOBY DICK Meaning and Definition

1. Moby Dick refers to a term that has a dual meaning, representing both a fictional novel and a prominent character within it. First and foremost, Moby Dick is a novel written by Herman Melville in 1851. It is regarded as a quintessential work of American literature, exploring themes of obsession, vengeance, and the nature of humanity. The story follows the adventures of a sailor named Ishmael and his quest aboard the whaling ship Pequod, led by the monomaniacal Captain Ahab. Ahab's sole obsession is to seek revenge against a gigantic white whale known as Moby Dick, who had previously caused him to lose a leg. The novel delves into the philosophical and psychological implications of Ahab's pursuit, delving into themes of fate, the struggles between good and evil, and mankind's relationship with nature.

   Beyond being a literary work, Moby Dick also signifies the character at the center of the novel, the imposing white sperm whale itself. Moby Dick is depicted as a sentient and awe-inspiring creature, whose symbolic weight goes beyond its physical presence. It becomes an emblem of nature's boundless power, embodying both mystery and terror. Moby Dick represents the unconquerable forces of the natural world that challenge human dominance, acting as a metaphor for the unpredictable, relentless, and impenetrable aspects of existence. The significance of Moby Dick extends beyond the novel, finding its place in contemporary English as a symbol of anything that is unattainable, elusive, or obsessively pursued.

Etymology of MOBY DICK

The word "Moby Dick" is the name of a famous fictional white whale in the novel of the same name, written by Herman Melville and published in 1851. The novel tells the story of Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit of this enormous sperm whale that is believed to have destroyed his ship and bitten off his leg.

However, in terms of the etymology of the name itself, it is believed that Melville drew inspiration from a few different sources.

The word "Moby" was an archaic term used in the 18th and 19th centuries meaning "a great or noble". It can be traced back to the ancient Greek word "mobys" meaning a mass or a multitude. Melville likely chose this term to emphasize the immense size and power of the whale.