Podcast Summary: The History of Literature - Episode 669: Obsessed with Melville

Episode Overview In Episode 669 of The History of Literature, host Jack Wilson delves deep into the life and legacy of Herman Melville with special guests Jennifer Habel and Chris Bachelder, co-authors of the novel Day's Work. The episode explores Melville’s influence on contemporary literature, the intricacies of his personal life, and how his work continues to inspire modern authors. Additionally, Alexander Poots joins towards the end to share his perspective on his favorite literary series.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Jack Wilson opens the episode by setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about Herman Melville, particularly focusing on Jennifer Habel and Chris Bachelder's new novel, Day's Work. He highlights the novel's unique approach to intertwining literary analysis with personal memoir, emphasizing its exploration of obsession, collaboration, and love through the lens of Melville’s life and works.

Notable Quote:

• "A curious, heady cocktail of a quarantine novel that feels like a buoyant literary memoir..." — Donna Seaman, Booklist [00:39]
• "A love letter to literature." — Alexander Chee [00:39]

2. Guest Introduction and Background

Jack introduces Jennifer Habel and Chris Bachelder, providing their literary backgrounds:

• Chris Bachelder: Author of four novels, including The Throwback Special, a National Book Award finalist.
• Jennifer Habel: Author of poetry collections Good Reason and The Book of Jane, winner of the Iowa Poetry Prize.

3. First Encounters with Melville

The conversation begins with the guests discussing their initial encounters with Herman Melville’s works.

Jennifer Habel:

• "The first thing I read by Melville was Bartleby. I love Bartleby, and I liked it immediately. Now, I think it's a miraculous text." [04:27]

Chris Bachelder:

• Shares a similar experience, emphasizing how Moby Dick felt overwhelming initially but grew more meaningful with age and scholarship. [04:55]

Notable Quote:

• "When I read Moby Dick the first time... I think it was something I was supposed to read." — Jennifer Habel [05:03]

4. Deepening Appreciation for Melville

As both authors matured, their appreciation for Melville's work deepened, moving from a perceived obligation to a profound admiration for his narrative ingenuity and thematic depth.

Chris Bachelder:

• "Like Chekhov, Melville was setting out to tell a story, and the form bends to his vision." [08:36]

5. Exploring Day's Work: Inspiration and Themes

Jennifer and Chris discuss the genesis of Day's Work, inspired by Melville's life, especially his time at Arrowhead Farm and the writing of Moby Dick. The novel mirrors the authors' journey through extensive Melville scholarship, reflecting on the cost of artistic obsession.

Jennifer Habel:

• "The narrator... undergoes a midlife reckoning into her own marriage and ambition." [09:52]

Chris Bachelder:

• Describes the book as a "pandemic research log" that intertwines the narrator’s personal struggles with Melville’s life. [11:40]

Notable Quote:

• "It's a very strange book... It's produced what feels like an exorcism." — Jack Wilson [39:06]

6. The Relationship Between Melville and Hawthorne

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Melville’s relationship with Nathaniel Hawthorne, exploring its complexities and mutual influences.

Jack Wilson:

• "Melville came on too strong and Hawthorne ended up suffocating a little bit." [25:53]

Jennifer Habel:

• Highlights Hawthorne’s admiration for Melville and their deep intellectual conversations, suggesting a balanced relationship despite Melville's overwhelming enthusiasm. [26:32]

Chris Bachelder:

• "Hawthorne was like a cat to Melville's golden retriever." — illustrating the dynamic between the two authors. [27:00]

7. Literary Passages from Day's Work

The guests read selected passages from their novel, offering listeners a taste of the book's style and thematic concerns.

Early Passage:

• Details Melville's intense writing period for Moby Dick, illustrating his dedication and the personal costs involved. [14:46]

Middle Passage:

• Explores Melville and Hawthorne’s deepening friendship and the financial struggles Melville faced, underscoring his relentless pursuit of literary greatness. [29:56]

Late Passage:

• Depicts Melville's later years post-retirement, emphasizing his shift from fiction to poetry and his desire for literary legacy. [36:53]

Notable Quote:

• "Moby Dick is the one book that deserves to be called our American Bible." — Nathaniel Philbrick, as quoted in the book [16:19]

8. Themes of Obsession and Ambition

Throughout the discussion, Jennifer and Chris emphasize how Day's Work delves into themes of obsession with literature and the personal sacrifices that come with artistic ambition.

Chris Bachelder:

• "We were obsessed about obsession." [14:13]

Jennifer Habel:

• Connects the narrator’s midlife reflection with Melville's own relentless pursuit of literary perfection. [35:55]

9. Melville’s Enduring Legacy

The conversation shifts to Melville’s lasting impact on writers, highlighting why he remains a "patron saint" for many literary figures.

Jennifer Habel:

• "Moby Dick... holds everything and can be almost anything. It's inspirational, both tragic and inspirational." [43:29]

Chris Bachelder:

• "He's radically ahead of his time... people really respond to his gregariousness of style." [43:44]

10. Future Projects and Literary Explorations

Jennifer and Chris reveal their plans for future literary projects, hinting at a trilogy that continues to explore the lives and relationships of other 19th-century writers.

Chris Bachelder:

• Discusses a companion book from the husband's perspective, influenced by Hawthorne and exploring themes of absence and departure. [40:37]

11. Special Guest: Alexander Poots on His Final Book Choice

In the episode's conclusion, Alexander Poots answers a listener's question about his final book. He passionately defends Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey and Maturin series, praising its depth, humor, and character development.

Alexander Poots:

• "These books are so funny... they are the definition of a romans fleuve." [46:41]
• "Captain Aubrey Stewart... is just an absolute joy to read." [49:13]

12. Closing Remarks

Jack Wilson wraps up the episode by thanking the guests and teasing upcoming content, including discussions on Edna Ferber, Fernando Pessoa, post-Cold War Russian poetry, and more.

Conclusion Episode 669 offers a rich exploration of Herman Melville’s influence on literature and the creative process, as seen through the collaborative efforts of Jennifer Habel and Chris Bachelder. Their novel, Day's Work, serves as a literary bridge connecting Melville’s intense artistic journey with their own reflections on ambition and personal relationships. The episode not only deepens listeners' understanding of Melville but also celebrates the enduring legacy of his work in contemporary literary circles.