Research Paper on:
Theology of Herman Melville in his Writings

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
basis for understanding the Puritan perspectives that influenced Melvilles development as an author. Bibliography lists 5 sources. MHMelvil.rtf Herman Melvilles Religious Theology Research Compiled  by 10/2001 Please Herman Melville was an author who depicted a variety of religious  viewpoints in his authorship, and it is evident that his religious theology changed over time. Prior to the onset of the American Civil War, Herman Melvilles views appeared deeply  linked to the remnants of American Puritanism and the progression of the puritan identity common in 19th century New England. Melvilles earlier works reflected the impact of these ideals  on his sense of self and in the directives of his writings, which are often pragmatic and reflect a moral view of the conflict between good and evil, between the  Christian and the sinner. Melville lived through one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, when brothers were divided and fought against brothers, and the end of the  American Civil war marked a distinct shift in the religious or theological perspectives presented through Melvilles authorship. It can be argued that the Civil War instrumentally impacted the religious,  political and social ideals integrated into Melvilles stories and pushed the author to reconsider his religious dedication and his internal belief in the existence of God. These changes, then,  are commonly reflected in some of Melvilles more forceful stories. For example, while Bartleby, the Scrivener, focused on the Puritan work ethic, the importance or value of religious  viewpoints and the directives of complicity with social and religious expectations, Melvilles later works, including Billy Budd, concentrate more specifically on the conflict between good and evil and the fact