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saint's avatar

Why did Herman Melville call his whale Moby Dick? Was it just a random choice or did whales in the 19th century usually get called Moby or Dick?

Asked by saint (3975points) September 19th, 2011

These days, Moby is one thing, and Dick another altogether. What inspired Melville?

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4 Answers

sliceswiththings's avatar

Ha I read that as “wife.”

sliceswiththings (11723points)“Great Answer” (4points) Flag as…
ucme's avatar

It’s rumoured he was suffering from syphillis at the time….....go figure!

ucme (50047points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
syzygy2600's avatar

Moby Dicks’ fathers name was Papa Boner, so it was logical choice.

syzygy2600 (3326points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…

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