The History of Literature
669 Obsessed with Melville (with Jennifer Habel and Chris Bachelder) | My Last Book with Alexander Poots
Jan 13, 2025
Jennifer Habel, a poet and co-author of 'Days Work,' and Chris Bachelder, a novelist, dive into the obsession that sparked Habel's midlife exploration tied to Herman Melville's life and literature. They discuss how Melville's works, particularly 'Moby Dick,' evolved from obligation to genuine appreciation for them. The conversation also reveals the profound friendship between Melville and Hawthorne, alongside themes of personal struggle, ambition, and legacy, as both artists reflect on their own journeys and the impact of their literary inspirations.
56:00
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how Herman Melville's complex relationships, especially with his wife and Nathaniel Hawthorne, influenced his literary creativity and struggles.
- Jennifer Habel and Chris Batchelder discuss their novel 'Dayswork', reflecting on Melville's legacy while intertwining personal narratives arising from pandemic-induced introspection.
Deep dives
The Impact of Herman Melville
The podcast examines the influential life and works of Herman Melville, particularly through the lens of his relationships and the complexities of his marriage. Melville's struggles as a writer struggling for recognition, notably highlighted during the creation of 'Moby Dick', serve as a focus point. The conversation reveals how his interactions with literary figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne played a pivotal role in shaping Melville's writing journey. The hosts explore Melville's deep obsession with art and its costs, suggesting that his artistic pursuits often came at personal costs, reflecting broader themes of ambition and identity.
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