Explore Herman Melville’s Legacy at Arrowhead in the Berkshires

The Berkshires of Massachusetts have long been a sanctuary for some of America’s most celebrated authors. Among them, Herman Melville, famed for his novels like “Moby-Dick” and “Typee,” made a significant mark not only as a novelist but also as a poet. His former residence, Arrowhead, located on Holmes Road in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the life and works of this literary giant.

Melville, who lived from 1819 to 1891, is often remembered for his novels but produced an impressive body of poetry, particularly later in his life. One of his most notable works is “Clarel,” recognized as the longest poem in American literature, spanning over 18,000 lines and 500 pages. Melville once remarked, “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation,” reflecting his commitment to creating distinct literary art.

His poetry is deeply rooted in personal experience rather than mere imagination. Melville’s time at sea profoundly influenced his writing. After a stint as a bank clerk and teacher, he embarked on a journey as a seaman aboard the merchant ship St. Lawrence. The experiences he encountered would later inspire much of his work.

One of Melville’s early poems captures the essence of his maritime experiences:

“Since as in night’s deck-watch ye show,
Why, lads, so silent here to me,
Your watchmate of times long ago?”

In 1841, Melville joined the whaling ship Acushnet but chose to leave the crew when they reached the Marquesas Islands. His adventures among the islanders spurred his first novel, “Typee.” Later, while reflecting on his whaling experiences in “Moby-Dick,” the narrator, Ishmael, famously stated, “A Whaleship was my Yale College and my Harvard,” indicating the formative impact of these journeys.

Melville’s poetry also delved into darker themes. In one such poem, he explores the terror of being swallowed by a whale:

“The ribs and terrors in the whale,
Arched over me a dismal gloom,
While all God’s sun-lit waves rolled by,
And lift me deepening down to doom.”

The American Civil War (1861-1865) significantly affected Melville’s life and work. Although he did not serve as a combat soldier, he closely followed the war and visited the front lines. After the conflict, he published “Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War,” a collection of 72 poems. One of his most poignant works from this collection reflects on the battle at Shiloh:

“Foemen at morn, but friends at eve —
Fame or country least their care:
(What like a bullet can undeceive!)
But now they lie low,
While over them the swallows skim,
And all is hushed at Shiloh.”

A pivotal moment in Melville’s life occurred on August 5, 1850, when he attended a picnic on Monument Mountain in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. This gathering included notable literary figures, such as Oliver Wendell Holmes and Nathaniel Hawthorne. An unexpected downpour forced Melville and Hawthorne to seek shelter, resulting in an intense intellectual connection that Melville described as “an infinite fraternity of feeling.” Their friendship would greatly influence Melville’s writing, particularly during the time they spent together at Arrowhead.

Visitors to Arrowhead can step back in time and immerse themselves in Melville’s world. The home is meticulously preserved, with each room furnished with period-appropriate pieces. A tour of the residence provides insight into Melville’s life, including the small bedroom where Hawthorne would stay during his visits.

The stunning view of Mount Greylock from Melville’s study window serves as a poignant reminder of the natural beauty that inspired his work.

Eventually, financial difficulties forced Melville to sell Arrowhead and relocate to Manhattan. He took a job as a customs inspector in New York harbor, earning $4 a day. Despite the challenges, he continued to write poetry into the night, creating verses that reflected his experiences and emotions.

One such lyrical piece captures the essence of his introspective nature:

“Soft as the morning
When South winds blow,
Sweet as peach orchards
When blossoms are seen.”

For those interested in experiencing Melville’s legacy in a new form, Paul Phillips, a distinguished American composer/conductor, has created a song-cycle based on “Battle-Pieces.” The first movement, “Reverie,” features baritone Andrew Garland and is performed by the Pioneer Valley Symphony, conducted by Phillips.

Visiting Arrowhead not only honors the memory of Herman Melville but also deepens the appreciation for his contributions to American literature. As one stands in the spaces where he wrote, the echoes of his life and work resonate, inviting a new generation to discover the depths of his poetic and narrative brilliance.