call me Ishmael
Opening self-identification request
Call me Ishmael is the opening line of Herman Melville's novel *Moby-Dick*, now shorthand for any memorable first line or dramatic self-introduction.
The phrase suggests beginning a long story or establishing one's identity with theatrical flair: So you want to know my whole saga? Call me Ishmael.
- MobyElectronic music pioneer
- DickShort form of Richard
- white whaleConsuming, elusive pursuit
- sperm whaleGiant toothed marine mammal
- whaleHuge sea mammal
Ahab · Captain Ahab · Melville · literary classic · narrator · opening · opening line · voyage · sea · Pequod · harpooner · Queequeg · coffin · ocean · sailor · man overboard · wanderer · outcast
- classic excerptsto be or not to be, once upon a time, nevermore, et tu Brute, all the world's a stage
- Literary Phrasesto be or not to be, carpe diem, et tu Brute, once upon a time, happily ever after