"I Try All Things; I Achieve What I Can" (Herman Melville in MOBY DICK) Herman Melville, in his novel, MOBY DICK, combined the results of large amounts of research in history, personal narratives, and scientific tracts with his own experiences on a whaling ship. He wanted his book to be an allegory, full of psychological and symbolic richness. Though the plot itself is deceptively simple, there are many layers and elements that make up this …showed first 75 words of 735 total…

…showed last 75 words of 735 total…he does know that what he is doing is wrong and does ask for forgiveness. In characterization, style, and narration techniques, Herman Melville tried many different ways of dealing with his subject. His goal was to write a novel of importance about whaling, and about a man obsessed with the idea of getting even, no matter what. In “trying all things,” he achieved a great classic novel: one that has stood the test of time.