Ishmael

Part of Speech

Proper Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɪʃˌmeɪəl/

Definitions

• Ishmael (noun): A name of biblical origin, commonly associated with the son of Abraham and Hagar. The term "Ishmael" has come to symbolize a person who is an outcast or someone who has been abandoned.
• Ishmael (literary reference): The narrator of Herman Melville's novel *Moby-Dick*, who recounts the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to kill the white whale, Moby Dick.

Usage Examples

• "He felt like an Ishmael, always on the outside looking in."
• "In *Moby-Dick*, Ishmael serves as the voice of reason in contrast to Ahab's madness."

Etymology

The name Ishmael comes from the Hebrew name יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma'el), meaning "God hears." In the Bible, Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar. The character's significance evolved, especially through literary references, such as in *Moby-Dick*, where Ishmael symbolizes survival and introspection.

Synonyms

• Outcast
• Exile
• Wanderer
• Rejection

Antonyms

• Accepted
• Inclusion
• Insider

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /ˈɪʃˌmeɪəl/
• In British English: /ˈɪʃˌmeɪəl/
• In Australian English: /ˈɪʃˌmeɪəl/

Historical Usage

The name Ishmael is rooted in biblical history, and in the 19th century, it gained cultural significance through Herman Melville's *Moby-Dick*, where the character Ishmael became a symbol of survival, isolation, and the quest for understanding. His narration provides a lens into the philosophical exploration of man’s relationship with nature and fate.

Cultural Nuances

In contemporary usage, "Ishmael" has taken on a broader cultural meaning, symbolizing a person who is marginalized or left out. The character’s journey in *Moby-Dick* is often interpreted as a metaphor for the search for meaning in life amidst a chaotic world.

More Information

Ishmael’s character in *Moby-Dick* is an essential narrative device, providing readers with a point of view on the obsessive nature of Captain Ahab. Ishmael’s role contrasts with Ahab's, emphasizing reason, observation, and a more philosophical approach to the world around them. The term "Ishmael" in literary contexts often symbolizes outsider status, and over time, it has been adopted in various forms of art and literature as a representation of those who feel disconnected or exiled from the mainstream.