Why start a book with Call me Ishmael?

Answer 1

Every book has to start somehow. Moby Dick starts with the story teller introducing himself with, "Call me Ishmael". It is a distinctive and friendly opening line and I believe the name is not used anywhere else in the remainder of the book. Also, the book was written over 150 years ago in a time when literacy was not high and the story tellers art was a much more demanding job for that very reason. The authors of Moby Dick, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and even Frankenstein, place great effort and emphasis into describing a view from a certain perspective or at a certain time of year, or why something is done the way it is done for the benefit of the reader. Don't waste your time challenging it, the book is a classic, sit back, relax and enjoy reading it.

Answer 2

"Call me Ishmael" is a memorable opening line from the novel "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. It sets the tone for the book and introduces the character Ishmael as the narrator. The phrase also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue for readers, drawing them into the story.

Answer 3

Moby Dick, or The Whale by Herman Melville.

It is the first sentence of that novel.

Answer 4

Moby Dick.