Joseph Conrad's Controversial View of Herman Melville: An Analysis

Joseph Conrad and Herman Melville share a rich legacy in American and British literature respectively. However, their relationship is often characterized by a significant divergence in opinion, particularly in Conrad's critical stance towards Melville's work. This article delves into the reasons behind Conrad's disapproval, focusing on narrative style, philosophical differences, cultural context, and personal preferences.

Narrative Style: A Matter of Modernity

One of the primary reasons for Conrad's criticism of Melville lies in their differing narrative styles. Contemporary to Melville, Conrad favored a more modernist approach, emphasizing ambiguity and psychological depth. In contrast, Melville's narrative style, as evident in his masterpiece Moby-Dick, was expansive and less focused. Conrad often admired the precision and control he believed were lacking in Melville's sprawling narrative. This preference for a tightly structured and psychologically rich narrative explains why Conrad was so critical of Melville's writing, viewing it as overly grand and lacking subtlety.

Philosophical Differences: Exploring Human Existence

Another significant factor in Conrad's critique of Melville is the philosophical content of their respective works. Conrad's writings often delve into existential themes and the darker aspects of human nature, exploring the human condition with a critical and reflective eye. On the other hand, Melville, especially in Moby-Dick, engages in grand philosophical speculations about fate, the universe, and the divine. Conrad may have found Melville's explorations too didactic and grandiose, detracting from the personal and psychological dimensions of his writing. This philosophical divergence could be seen as a clash between two different literary approaches to understanding the human experience.

Cultural Context: A World Apart

Cultural context also played a role in Conrad's view of Melville's work. Conrad was a European writer, whose experiences and perspectives were shaped by a different cultural milieu compared to the American Melville. Melville's themes and characters were deeply rooted in American identity and experience, which Conrad found challenging to relate to. This cultural gap may have influenced Conrad's critical stance towards Melville's work, leading him to view it as less accessible and relevant to his own readership and literary goals.

Personal Preferences: Subjective Criticism

Ultimately, the basis of Conrad's criticism of Melville is fundamentally subjective. While Conrad respected Melville's importance in American literature, his personal literary preferences aligned with his own narrative techniques and ideals. This subjective critique is a common occurrence in the literary world, where individual tastes and literary sensibilities play a significant role in shaping critical opinions. Conrad's preference for European literature and his own narrative style may have led him to view Melville's work with a critical eye, recognizing the differences in their artistic visions.

Claire E. Rothschild's Perception

These differences are substantiated by Claire E. Rothschild, who sheds light on Conrad's mindset through his refusal to write an introduction to a new edition of Moby-Dick in 1907. In his polite yet firm letter of rejection, Conrad remarked:

Years ago I looked into Typee and Omoo but as I didn't find there what I was looking for when I open a book I did not go any further. Lately I had in my hands Moby Dick. It struck me as rather a strained rhapsody with whaling for a subject and not a single sincere line in the 3 vols of it.

This statement clearly highlights Conrad's critical stance towards Melville's work, viewing it as an overly philosophical and unsincere narrative rather than one that resonated with his own literary and thematic preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Joseph Conrad's negative feelings towards Herman Melville can be attributed to a combination of narrative style, philosophical differences, cultural context, and personal preferences. While Conrad acknowledged Melville's significance in American literature, these factors contributed to his overall critical stance, reflecting a nuanced and subjective perspective on literary achievement.