Moby-Dick is contemporarily relevant philosophically

While being a narrative at its heart, "Moby-Dick" is also a philosophical work. Among the many chapters describing the main plot of the story are chapters describing various facets of the whaling industry. In fact, one of the main criticisms of Melville's magnum opus are such diversions from the plot. But these prove to be just as rewarding as the main story if given the time and thought. For example, the chapter "Fast-Fish and Loose-Fish" does nothing to forward the plot of the story. But this chapter considers in whaling terms the idea of property and what one really possesses. Melville ties in politics, slavery, religion, and more, while not straying too far from the narrative of the story. Or, when considering Ahab himself in tandem with the time period "Moby-Dick" was written in, many consider the novel to be a critique of the contemporary transcendentalists. Emerson's "Self-Reliance" details the necessity for individuality and to avoid conformity. Melville took this idea to its extremes with Captain Ahab in his pursuit of revenge against the White Whale. Ahab's monomania and refusal to concede his individual quest ultimately lead to disastrous consequences. In addition to considering themes of the past, Melville also looks forward to the future. Written before the abolition of slavery in America, Melville considers the morality of slavery and racial dynamics as a whole. His philosophical witticisms are just as pertinent today as one imagines they might have been one-hundred fifty years ago. So although "Moby-Dick" is not a strictly philosophical work, there is no doubt that there is much philosophical value in the novel.