Journal Herman Melville

Christine LaKomy Sloss

English 48A

Journal for Herman Melville

October 3rd, 2011

Author Quote: Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it - not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.-Herman Melville, Letter to Nathaniel Hawthorn, June 29 1851 

Internet Quote: Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet, whose work is often classified as part of the genre of dark romanticism. He is best known for his novel Moby-Dick and the posthumous novella Billy Budd. His first three books gained much attention, the first becoming a bestseller, but after a fast-blooming literary success in the late 1840s, his popularity declined precipitously in the mid-1850s and never recovered during his lifetime. When he died in 1891, he was almost completely forgotten. It was not until the "Melville Revival" in the early 20th century that his work won recognition, especially Moby-Dick which was hailed as one of the literary masterpieces of both American and world literature. He was the first writer to have his works collected and published by the Library of America.

Brief summary of what the author is saying: Herman Melville is explaining the need to be honest, true to your heart, honoring the vulnerability of humanity, and becoming familiar and comfortable with the awkwardness of imperfection. All the while not feeling any of the internal pressure to talk with exaggerations, or the need to impress another.

My response to the author's idea: For me, I feel Herman Melville has found the words to describe what many people have difficulty expressing, true honesty. It doesn't not mater from witch era of life you are speaking of, it seems to be a fundamental function of the human behavior. Letting your guard down is something incredibly difficult to do. It is important to set a good example, showing my children that everyone has faults and weaknesses, is important during their development years, giving them the courage and strength to be clumsy and make mistakes. All to often I will meet someone who is struggling over these life lessons, that Melville so eloquently has written. It takes pause, to realize it's not what you have, where you have been, or how you compare to the next person, that makes up who you are, and trying to convincing those around you to believe it, you are only fooling yourself.