Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What does the White Whale symbolize in Moby-Dick?
Position3 of 3

The whale in Moby Dick does not represent anything singularly

This position holds that the White Whale in Moby-Dick has no single fixed meaning. It argues that although nearly every character projects their own significance onto the whale, Melville never defines it — much as the doubloon is, finally, just a coin — leaving its meaning deliberately open.

Supporting arguments · 1

  1. The whale in Moby Dick simply symbolizes a whale
    Melville does not give the White Whale any specific meaning. Only the characters ascribe meaning. We can assume there is no symbolism for the whale at all, as there are moments within the novel that further emphasize how not everything has meaning.