Omoo - Herman Melville

Summary

"Omoo" is Herman Melville's second novel, a semi-autobiographical adventure that serves as a sequel to "Typee." It follows the narrator's experiences after escaping the idyllic but restrictive valley of Typee in the Marquesas Islands. He signs on to a decrepit English whaling ship, the Julia, where he encounters a colorful crew and increasingly harsh conditions. This leads to a mutiny, during which the crew refuses to work and is subsequently imprisoned in "Calabooza Beretanee" in Tahiti. After a period of humorous and challenging confinement, the narrator and his eccentric companion, Dr. Long Ghost, gain their freedom. They then embark on a series of wanderings across Tahiti and nearby islands, observing the native culture, the impact of missionaries, and the effects of European colonization. The novel is a vibrant portrayal of Polynesian life, a critique of Western influence, and a testament to the spirit of adventure and freedom.

Book Sections

Section 1

The narrator, having escaped the Marquesas Islands, finds himself aboard an Australian trading vessel, the Dolly. Upon reaching Tahiti, he decides to leave the Dolly and joins an English whaling ship called the Julia. The Julia is a dilapidated, poorly maintained ship with a mixed and unruly crew. The narrator observes the wretched conditions and the general state of disrepair. He quickly befriends Dr. Long Ghost, an educated but lazy shipmate who had once been a surgeon but now prefers a life of indolence. The initial days aboard the Julia are marked by poor food, a constantly leaking deck, and the crew's growing discontent with their circumstances and the captain's ineffectual leadership.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Narrator	Adventurous, observant, seeking freedom and new experiences, American.	To escape the Dolly, find a new adventure, and avoid returning home.
Dr. Long Ghost	Tall, lanky, educated, intelligent, eccentric, lazy, German, ex-ship's surgeon.	To avoid hard work, enjoy life, intellectual companionship.
Captain Jermin	English, somewhat ineffectual, struggles to maintain order, later becomes ill.	To command his ship, complete his whaling voyage, maintain authority.
The Crew	Diverse, multinational, discontented, hardy but ill-disciplined.	To survive the voyage, escape harsh conditions, eventually gain discharge.

Section 2

Life on the Julia continues to deteriorate. The ship is so worn out that it constantly requires pumping, a task that consumes much of the crew's time and energy. The provisions are meager and of poor quality, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Captain Jermin falls seriously ill, suffering from a debilitating fever. This incapacitates him and further weakens his authority, making it impossible for him to enforce discipline or properly manage the ship. The first mate, a rough and inexperienced man, takes command but proves even less capable than the captain, exacerbating the crew's unrest.

Section 3

The crew's discontent reaches a boiling point. They refuse to perform their duties, specifically refusing to pump water from the constantly leaking ship. This act constitutes a mutiny. The sick Captain Jermin, though weak, attempts to reassert his authority by threatening them, but his efforts are futile against the unified and determined crew. He is forced to negotiate. The crew demands their discharge in Tahiti, wanting nothing more to do with the Julia. After much deliberation and intervention from local authorities in Tahiti, the crew is eventually taken off the ship and, instead of being discharged, is imprisoned for mutiny.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Bembo	A fierce, intimidating Polynesian harpooner on the Julia, a leader in the mutiny.	To protest the conditions, gain freedom from the ship.
Jarl	A kind, simple, sturdy Norwegian sailor, generally well-behaved.	To follow the collective will of the crew, endure hardship.
First Mate	Inexperienced, rough, struggles to command the ship in Captain Jermin's absence.	To maintain control of the ship, despite his inexperience.

Section 4

The narrator and the mutinous crew are taken to "Calabooza Beretanee," the British gaol in Papeete, Tahiti. This prison is a large, open shed rather than a conventional jail, housing various foreign sailors and local offenders. Life in the Calabooza is a mix of hardship and unexpected freedom. The prisoners are largely unsupervised and allowed to interact freely within the compound. The narrator and Dr. Long Ghost continue their close companionship, sharing their observations and adapting to their new environment. They interact with other prisoners, local Tahitians who bring them food, and the occasional British official. Despite being confined, there's a sense of camaraderie and even humor among the prisoners.

Section 5

While imprisoned, the narrator and Long Ghost experience the peculiarities of Tahitian justice and the local culture. They observe the daily routines of the prison, the personalities of their fellow inmates, and the relaxed attitudes of their Tahitian guards. They receive visitors, including local women, who bring them food and communicate news from the outside. The conditions are crude, but the overall atmosphere is not one of harsh punishment. The two friends pass the time by telling stories, observing their surroundings, and plotting their eventual release. Their confinement highlights the cultural differences between Western and Polynesian societies regarding law and order.

Section 6

After several weeks in the Calabooza, the narrator and Long Ghost, along with some other prisoners, manage to secure their release. This comes about partly due to the relaxed nature of the Tahitian authorities and partly through negotiations involving the British Consul, Mr. Wilson. The men are not truly pardoned but are essentially set free under certain conditions, expected to find employment or passage elsewhere. Upon their release, they are technically free but have no money and no clear means of support, beginning a new phase of their adventures as wanderers in Tahiti.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Mr. Wilson	The British Consul in Tahiti, a somewhat officious but ultimately helpful figure.	To uphold British law and order, resolve disputes involving British subjects.

Section 7

Now free, the narrator and Long Ghost begin to explore Tahiti. They rely on the hospitality of the native people, who are generally kind and generous. They travel from village to village, observing the daily life, customs, and simple pleasures of the Tahitians. They encounter the profound impact of European colonization and missionary efforts. The novel vividly describes the beauty of the island and its people, but also laments the decline of traditional Tahitian culture under the influence of Western missionaries, who have imposed strict moral codes and suppressed many native customs like dancing and traditional religious practices.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Queen Pomare	The nominal Queen of Tahiti, largely a figurehead due to French and British influence.	To maintain her position, navigate the complexities of colonial powers.
Reverend Mr. Stewart	A zealous but somewhat ineffective Protestant missionary.	To convert Tahitians to Christianity, enforce Western moral codes.

Section 8

The wanderings continue, revealing more about Tahitian society. The narrator and Long Ghost spend time in various settlements, experiencing local food, festivals (albeit subdued by missionary influence), and the challenges faced by the native population. They often find themselves in humorous situations due to their lack of funds and their unconventional lifestyle. They observe the blend of genuine Tahitian warmth with the artificiality imposed by European norms. The narrative often contrasts the natural, carefree spirit of the natives with the restrictive and often hypocritical attitudes of the missionaries and colonial administrators.

Section 9

As their time in Tahiti progresses, the narrator and Long Ghost consider their future. Long Ghost, with his educated background, even briefly considers settling down and becoming a schoolmaster, though his inherent laziness and love of freedom soon dissuade him. The narrator is eager to find a ship that will take him away from Tahiti and back to the wider world. They visit various seaports, trying to secure passage on any available vessel. The process is difficult due to their lack of money and their past as mutineers.

Section 10

Eventually, the narrator manages to secure a berth on a new whaling ship, the Leviathan. This marks the end of his time wandering freely in Tahiti. Dr. Long Ghost, however, chooses to remain in Tahiti for a while longer, having formed connections and enjoying the relaxed life, even hinting at a desire to stay permanently or at least for an extended period. The narrator bids farewell to his eccentric companion and embarks on the Leviathan, leaving Tahiti behind and reflecting on the profound experiences and observations he has gathered during his stay. His journey continues, but the unique cultural immersion and the critique of colonialism leave a lasting impression.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Captain Guy	The captain of the Leviathan, a new whaling ship.	To secure a crew, continue his whaling voyage.
Paree	A friendly and hospitable Tahitian native who often helps the narrator.	To offer hospitality, uphold traditional Tahitian kindness.
Mrs. Bell	An Englishwoman who runs a local hostelry frequented by sailors.	To run her business, provide services to the foreign community.

Literary Genre

Adventure novel, Travel literature, Semi-autobiographical novel, Ethnographic fiction, Bildungsroman.

Author Facts

• Herman Melville (1819-1891): An American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period.
• Early Life at Sea: Melville's early experiences as a common seaman and whaler heavily influenced his most famous works, including "Typee," "Omoo," and "Moby Dick."
• Posthumous Recognition: Although recognized during his lifetime, his literary genius, especially for "Moby Dick," was not fully appreciated until long after his death in the 20th century.
• Financial Struggles: Despite early success with his South Seas adventures, later, more philosophical works like "Moby Dick" did not sell well, leading to financial difficulties and a period of working as a customs inspector.
• Themes: His works often explore themes of good versus evil, nature versus civilization, the complex relationship between man and God, and the search for knowledge and meaning.

Morale of the Book

The morale of "Omoo" is multifaceted:

1. Critique of Colonialism and Missionary Work: The book strongly moralizes against the destructive impact of Western influence on indigenous cultures. Melville highlights how missionaries, despite good intentions, often impose rigid moral codes that stifle native joy and traditional ways of life, while colonial powers exploit resources and subjugate populations.
2. The Allure and Corruption of "Civilization": Melville suggests that "civilization" often brings more problems than benefits to "primitive" societies, introducing disease, vice, and a loss of innocence and cultural identity.
3. The Value of Freedom and Independence: The narrator's constant desire to escape confining situations (the Julia, the prison) underscores a deep-seated value for personal liberty and the open road.
4. Embrace of Diverse Humanity: Despite the hardships, the narrator finds companionship and kindness among people from all walks of life—mutineers, locals, and eccentric Europeans—suggesting a belief in the shared human spirit beyond social constructs.

Curiosities

• Sequel to "Typee": "Omoo" is a direct sequel to Melville's first novel, "Typee," picking up almost immediately after the narrator's escape from the Marquesas.
• Semi-Autobiographical: Like many of Melville's early works, "Omoo" is largely based on his own real-life experiences as a sailor. The mutiny and imprisonment described in the book are drawn from actual events he participated in.
• Controversy and Success: "Omoo" was a commercial success upon its release in 1847, partly due to its exotic setting and adventurous plot. However, it also faced some criticism from missionary societies for its frank portrayal of their less-than-successful efforts and the perceived moral decay in Tahiti.
• Meaning of "Omoo": The title "Omoo" is a Tahitian word meaning "a wanderer" or "one who roams from island to island," perfectly encapsulating the narrator's journey.
• Dr. Long Ghost's Inspiration: The character of Dr. Long Ghost is believed to be based on a real shipmate Melville encountered, highlighting the fascinating individuals he met during his maritime adventures.
• First-Hand Ethnography: Before the rise of formal anthropology, Melville's detailed descriptions of Tahitian customs, language, and social structures provided a valuable, albeit subjective, ethnographic account of Polynesian life in the mid-19th century.