In chapter 79 of Herman Melville’s masterpiece, Moby-Dick, Ishmael tells us, “I try all things; I achieve what I can.”

Of course, the word “try” also refers to the process of rendering oil from fat by heat, which is to say that “trying” is the economic purpose of a whaling voyage. The word “render” is in “surrender” — trying’s opposite — a word that floats through Moby-Dick like an alluring ghost.

OVERVIEW

Moby-Dick is gigantic, but language leaves trails we can follow. In this reading group, we’ll read Moby-Dick together for the first time (as every reading is a first reading), and through discussion, we’ll see what it might have to say about us. We’ll also take a look at bits and pieces of other texts to give us a little context and insight to help us along the way. Group members will be encouraged to choose an idea, a thought, a notion, a wild hair, etc. to follow through the book to help illuminate our discussions (suggestions will be provided).

MEETING AND READING SCHEDULE

This group will meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month (with two exceptions) in the Bound at the Athenæum, 4:30-6pm.

No September meeting

Thurs, October 23 (note date change)
Introduction. Extracts, etc. (4th Thursday due to Public’s Voice)

Thurs, November 13
Ch. 1 (Loomings) – Ch. 23 (The Lee Shore)

Thurs, December 11
Ch. 24 (The Advocate) – Ch. 42 (The Whiteness of the Whale)

Thurs, January 8
Ch. 43 (Hark!) – Ch. 63 (The Crotch)

Thurs, February 19 (note date change)
Ch. 64 (Stubb’s Supper) – Ch. 87 (The Grand Armada)

Thurs, March 12
Ch. 88 (Schools and Schoolmasters) – Ch. 111 (The Pacific)

Thurs, April 9
Ch. 112 (The Blacksmith) – END

Thurs, May 14
TBD!

GROUP FACILITATOR

Seth Landman is the author of two books of poetry: Confidence (2015, Brooklyn Arts Press) and Sign You Were Mistaken (2013, Factory Hollow Press). He is also a life-long Herman Melville enthusiast and scholar. He has led numerous Moby-Dick reading groups and spent one autumn as a tour guide at Arrowhead, Melville’s historic residence in Pittsfield, MA.

This group has reached capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please email readinggroups@provath.org with MOBY DICK as the subject line.

The Athenæum is deeply grateful to our wonderful volunteer leaders. Please note library reading groups are not classes or courses, but rather a way for individuals to discuss readings together, guided by both expert and amateur enthusiasts. Participants should expect discussion-based, not lecture-style meetings.

BROWSE

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In chapter 79 of Herman Melville’s masterpiece, Moby-Dick, Ishmael tells us, “I try all things; I achieve what I can.”