re representative of more symbolic meaning. Moby Dick is a symbol of all that is unattainable in the universe. The color of the whale being white could mean so many different and conflicting things that it can’t be narrowed down to one meaning. The coffin that was turned into a buoy and saved Ishmael’s life could suggest that the meaning of any object lays in the beholder of the object not the object itself. The place that is a representative of a larger idea is the sea. The sea represents a man’s life, it symbolizes the fears that a man must overcome in life in order to gain a fuller understanding of life. The sea is a constant presence throughout the novel, as it is the background of almost every scene.The metaphors Melville is using indicate the condition of man and about man’s uncertainty in the universe we live in. His tone is that of man choosing his own destiny through his own actions. Melville’s attitude is that of Man’s absolute insignificance in the universe. There is nothing Man can do to improve the present state of the universe once he has acted on his decision. Another aspect of his philosophy is Man’s continual struggle with himself in this universe. The vastness of the universe and man’s place in it is difficult for the average man to comprehend. At best he can just figure out one meaning, but there could be more. This novel has influenced attitudes and beliefs on the destiny of man and has shown that there is more than one view of every object. It shows people that they need to be open minded and examine things from more than perspective before passing judgment.One of Melville’s goals was of indicating the condition of man and man’s uncertainty in the universe. Melville also shows the reader about Man’s absolute insignificance in the universe. Melville represented objects with ideas and beliefs of deeper meaning. Throughout the book man’s i...
