Allusions to Islamophobia: Evidence from Herman Melville’s Redburn, Mardi, and White Jacket

Abstract

This paper explores the Islamophobia expressed in some of the works of Herman Melville. The novels Redburn, Mardi, and White Jacket are examined to see how allusions to Islam are made with characters, settings, and situations. It was found that Melville used references to Islam and Muslims in a derogatory manner to warn his American audience of their bad behavior. Muslims were likened to lazy, lethargic, and despot characters who are quite objectionable. Class systems were also alluded to as an example of how unjust and classist the Muslim system can be.