Author:
E. V. Belikova,
Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor,
Dostoevsky Omsk State University,
55 Mira ave., Omsk, 644077, Russian Federation
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8812-2878
e-mail: ya.rizl@yandex.ru
Abstract:
Introduction. The study is related to the problem of identifying motives in G. Melville’s novel “Moby Dick, or The Whale” that go back to the novel “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by F. Rabelais. The purpose of the article is to analyze the functioning of Rabelaisian motives and reminiscences in Melville’s works, to identify the originality of their interpretation.
Materials and Methods. The research is based on the comparative-historical method and the method of literary comparative studies.
Results are in the intertextual comparison of the novel “Gargantua and Pantagruel” and the works of Melville, especially his novel “Moby Dick, or The Whale”. The interpretation of what was eaten and drunk at the feast by the whalers comes from Rabelais. The connection of these images with carnival and mythological traditions is also established.
Conclusions. It is concluded that Melville’s treatment of Rabelais’ themes and motives allows the author to introduce a laughing carnival element into the epic, monumental, dispassionate narration of the novel.
Keywords:
Rabelaisian motives, Herman Melville, “Moby Dick, or The Whale”, comparative studies, carnivalization.
