The novel ‘Moby Dick’ is an almost infinite source of inspiration for study and debate. In his masterpiece from 1851, Herman Melville not only describes the bloody and dangerous reality of sperm whale hunting, he also broaches many other passionate subjects that are still hotly debated today: the mechanisms of social and political control used by dictators; the origins and characteristics of madness; the relationship between the white western world and other civilizations; the place of religion and organized churches in personal and social life.
Melville and ‘Moby Dick’ were clearly a product of their time, but at the same time in some views and opinions they transcend the ‘accepted wisdom’ of the mid-nineteenth century. Harry Rijnen leads his public through the major themes of the book and the personality of its author, giving life to various characters, starting with Herman Melville himself. Once his performance of 50 minutes is finished, Harry opens up the debate to his audience. This dramatized talk is suitable for adults and for students from the age of 16 onwards.