Ahab's Arithmetic; or, the mathematics of Moby-Dick
History and Overview
2021-06-10 v1
Abstract
Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick contains a surprising number of mathematical allusions. In this article we explore some of these, as well as discussing the questions that naturally follow: why did Melville choose to use so much mathematical imagery? How did Melville come to acquire the level of mathematical knowledge shown in the novel? And is it commensurate with the general level of mathematical literacy at that time?
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1903.12102,
title = {Ahab's Arithmetic; or, the mathematics of Moby-Dick},
author = {Sarah Hart},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1903.12102},
year = {2021}
}
Comments
NOTE: A companion document "Mathematical Quotations in Melville's Moby-Dick", collating all the quotations I could find in Moby-Dick referring to mathematics, or mathematicians, or using mathematical imagery in some way, is available here: http://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/26952