Graduation Thesis of University of Science and Technology，Liaoning Zhao 10
be found almost everywhere. Moby Dick with her supernatural and mythical power represents the hostile world of nature.
Conclusion
Based on a systematical analysis of the use of symbolism in Moby Dick, we can see that Moby Dick is rich in symbolism which functions on several levels and a variety of ways. One of the most important qualities of Melville’s symbolism is the way it is fully integrated into the plot, so that the symbols seems naturally to grow out of the action rather than existing as mere abstractions.
The white whale stands for many concepts: first, she stands for evil, since she is the source of all sufferings in Ahab’s eyes, and the white whale is the incarnation of evil, unconquered, and tends to develop flourishingly and bring sufferings and disasters to human beings eventually. Second, the white whale symbolizes God, all-powerful and unexplainable. Third, the white whale stands for nature from different perspectives, since both nature and the white whale share similarities.
By adopting symbolism, Melville reveals his view of relationship between nature and human beings: either fall as a victim to nature and ending in tragedy or live in harmony with nature by not disturbing nature.
Graduation Thesis of University of Science and Technology，Liaoning Zhao 11
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