All Visible Objects • 118 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
- The opening of Moby-Dick references a quote by Hakluyt about the importance of the letter H in the word 'whale,' setting an enigmatic tone for the novel.
- Melville's use of the Hakluyt quote without full context led to speculation about its meaning, with scholars exploring poetic interpretations related to breath, spirit, and hidden truths within the text.
- Investigating the origins of the Hakluyt quote reveals connections to a chain of translations and criticisms between Arngrímur, Münster, and Hakluyt, shedding light on Melville's intellectual and literary choices.