Herman Melville's intense and dramatic novella Benito Cereno depicts a revolt aboard a Spanish slavery vessel captained by the titular character. Melville first published this story in 1855 - the ensuing popularity from its initial serialisation led Benito Cereno to be published as a distinct book in its own right. A tale of deception of both the characters and the readers, the tale is commonly cited as a classic example of the unreliable narrator device in which the subjective viewpoints lead the reader astray as to what is actually happening. Set in 1799, we witness an American trading vessel, the Bachelor's Delight, visiting to aid the San Dominick - a Spanish slave ship which has apparently fallen into distress. The American captain, Amasa Delano, notes a few oddities about Captain Benito Cereno and the ship's passengers, particularly the liberties taken by the slaves aboard ship, but is otherwise unperturbed.
Herman Melville
Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist, poet, and short story writer best known for his novel "Moby-Dick," a complex and symbolic work that explores themes of obsession, fate, and the struggle between good and evil. Melville's writing style is characterized by its rich symbolism, philosophical depth, and exploration of existential themes. His other notable works include "Typee," "Billy Budd," and "Bartleby, the Scrivener." Melville's contributions to literature have had a lasting impact on the development of American literature, particularly in the genre of the novel.
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