Sixth Form Mercury Wilson’s School’s newest student-run publication
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2011
“Call me Ishmael” The above is perhaps the most famous and instantly recognisable opening sentence in Western literature. But when Moby Dick was first published in 1851, it was treated with disdain by the majority of critics. Readers failed to appreciate its allegorical nature, interpreted the novel at face value, and consequently struggled to grasp the wider themes and symbols concealed within the text. Their shallow reading of Moby Dick is inadequate and, frankly, nothing short of literary blasphemy: the monstrous albino whale represents something on a much grander scale than critics originally realised, and the same holds true for many other characters, places and events. The plot is relatively straightforward: Ishmael joins the Pequod, a whaling ship under the command of one-legged, half-insane Captain Ahab. The captain has sworn revenge on Moby Dick, the ferocious white whale that chewed off his leg, and vows to take his ship and crew in pursuit of his quarry. Yet the chase itself, and subsequently much of the action, is reserved for the final three chapters of the novel. Indeed, Moby Dick is only encountered in chapter 133; hitherto it is merely referenced and described by Ahab and the crew. This delay results in a noticeable lull in the narrative; time stretches on indefinitely, with frequent ellipses and interjections from Ishmael, and in this sense, the novel begins to sag beneath its own weight. This exasperating postponement of the action is an immediate problem. Naturally, the effect will largely depend on the reader's patience, but Herman Melville, who was a mere thirty-two years of age when he composed the first draft of Moby Dick, is an undeniable tease when it comes to narrative pace. The first quarter of the text is a charming but uninteresting tale of life in whaling, and comprises a distressingly slim amount of action and plot advancement. As the novel unfolds, Moby Dick succumbs to larger and larger circles of pedantry, indulgence on behalf of Melville, and esoteric ramblings that seriously test the reader's patience. The majority of the book is a whaling manual of sorts, with encyclopaedia-like entries and opinion essays on various aspects of whales, whaling, and seafaring culture.
Therefore, interpreting the novel literally is a fatal error. Instead, it is necessary to ignore the frivolous narrative about whaling, such as entire chapters written about "the systematisation of Cetology" (marine science to you and me), and examine the more meaningful ideology of Moby Dick. The most definitive metaphor in the novel is the white whale itself; however, the reader does not have direct access to its thoughts and motivations. Nevertheless, the whale is still an integral part of the novel: it is considered to be a symbol for a variety of things, including God, nature, fate, the ocean, and even the universe itself. As a strict atheist, I personally regard Moby Dick as a symbolic representation of man's effort to find meaning in the universe. Conversely, many critics view the whale as a metaphor for God and faith; as Melville was a religious man himself, it is likely that he shared this spiritual viewpoint. During the Pequod's journey around the globe, Ishmael struggles to establish what the "essence" of a whale is. For example, he intently examines the carcass of a dead fin whale, and searches for the element, physical or otherwise, that defines it from other living things. Ishmael is unsuccessful: he is unsure whether the essence of the whale resides inside its body or its mind, or whether it has one at all. There is certainly no specific part of the whale which he can point to and declare, "That is what makes this creature a whale". The same principle applies to humans; hence fierce contention has existed throughout history between physicalists and dualists, who dispute the existence of the soul. Thus the illusive nature of the true substance of living
things, coupled with Moby Dick's inscrutable silence and mysterious habits, suggests that the whale represents an unknowable force - specifically, the forces governing the universe. Ahab desperately hunts Moby Dick, and his monomaniacal obsession repeatedly clouds his judgement. Yet regardless of how hard he tries, Ahab is unable to find the whale until the closing chapters of the novel. The elusiveness of the whale symbolises everything which mankind cannot understand about the world. Just as Ahab searches for Moby Dick, for instance when he asks passing ships for information about the whale's whereabouts, humans seek knowledge about life and the purpose of life; but in both cases the answer is largely unforthcoming. Moreover, Moby Dick is seemingly undefeatable: countless whaling vessels have encountered him and paid a heavy price in human lives, such as the Rachel and the ironically named Delight. Thus Moby Dick mirrors the universe in this respect also: the quest for human knowledge about the meaning of life is often a futile mission, and must ultimately end in death. Alas, Moby Dick was brutally defaced in 2010: Trey Stokes directed a film adaptation where USS Pequod, a nuclear submarine commanded by Captain Ahab, chases down a 600-foot long CGI whale. Such is the crippling effect that Hollywood has on classic literature. Darren Mindham
Sixth Form Mercury, March 2011
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What’s Inside?
Words from the editors The rumours that Mercury has shrunk away and died since Easter are, of course, totally bogus. However, there has been an understandable lull in article production due to soul-crushing examination pressure. In this issue, we’ve included a breakdown of the recent Fresh Aid event, the regular sports column and a festivals-orientated music column. There are even a couple of book reviews for our more educated readers. Mercury will be returning after study leave - and if you wish to submit an article, please do, but remember that it cannot be blatantly and shamelessly offensive. Darren Mindham and Will Roberts
Article
Page
“Call me Ishmael”
1
Words from the editors
2
“Trust me, I'm a junior doctor”
2
Still Fresh?
3
Riman’s Roundup
3
Sheepish Thoughts
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“Trust me, I'm a junior doctor” by Max Pemberton Review This is a book which, to no surprise to the people who know me, I began to read in order to find out more about medicine. In short, I felt that this book was a real eye-opener. Max Pemberton is a doctor himself and portrays his character from a first person perspective. The narrative itself draws on Dr Pemberton’s experiences as a junior doctor, which makes the book seem more personal and realistic. This book was described by The Observer as “Scrubs: the blog” and I completely agree with them.
is one such example. He also shows off his wit through his own slightly cynical thoughts, for example, when confronted with a gravely ill patient in A&E, he states, “As I stare at Mr Clarke all I can think is why does he have to be dying during my shift? Couldn't he have waited?”
However, there are extremely poignant times, for example old Mr Bernard dying. Dr Pemberton finds out about the chaplaincy service. "Dial-A-Priest", he calls it, and thinks "Up and down the country, day and night, with their The book is very blunt in particular as, pagers sitting next to a glass of sherry in my opinion, Dr Pemberton is trying and a copy of the Radio Times, there to stay true to the grim reality of medicine. are priests on call". However, afterwards In terms of language, Dr Pemberton Pemberton makes a very sober statement: keeps the book easy to understand and “The really sad thing is that Mr Bernard frequently clarifies any medical jargon is totally alone. There is not a single that he uses. Overall the book is quite soul in the world that loves him." At humorous, however there are many such moments in the book you can see parts where the author challenges you, a change from Pemberton’s witty style the reader, to think about your beliefs. to a more serious style of speaking. It is at these moments where you can see Throughout the book, I empathised the true dark side of medicine. with Dr Pemberton as he shows off the “truth” of medicine; at hospital a Another topic that frequently runs on whole plethora of characters are throughout the book is whether choosing introduced and seen. From the strict, medicine was the right thing to do or racist surgeon Mr Grant, to the likeable not. It had seemed to him that he was Lewis, who is “gay, Christian and thrown straight into the deep end from black”, there is a whole set of situations the moment he had begun working in which Dr Pemberton has placed in the hospital. In fact the book starts with book to show the interactions of these two words: “I’m scared.” This feeling continues throughout the book as people. Pemberton talks about how he has Dr Pemberton shows the mean side of made mistakes leading to death, how becoming a doctor. As a junior doctor he has been threatened in and out of he worked extremely long hours: “It's a A&E and how he felt extremely overlittle after midnight and I've already whelmed by expectations. been working since 8am this morning”
Pemberton does not seek any excuses for his actions nor does he admit them with any shame, but instead, I feel, with pride and nostalgia. Pride, in that he had progressed forward from that time, and nostalgia as he remembers his early days as a doctor. His other colleagues also are shown with their doubts as well, such as Supriya, who feels pressured by her family of doctors to remain as a doctor, and Ruby, who tries to compete as a female surgeon against her sexist consultant. I would recommend this book not only for the would-be doctors of our school, but also to the people who want a peak into the lives of doctors. Although Pemberton does present a grim view of the hospital as a place of work, he paints a place where, regardless of personality, the doctors are driven to help the patient. In fact, the hospital that he worked in seems to be a place where multicultural activity flows together as doctors and nurses try to do their jobs. To me, although this book shows a multitude of downsides to being a doctor, it has actually spurred me on, as although it will be tough, it is in these situations where I feel I could see myself making a difference. Calum Perera
Sixth Form Mercury, March 2011
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Still Fresh? The decision to continue to put on the charity gig Fresh Aid despite the loss of the school as a venue was a brave one, but did it pay off? Here’s a blow-byblow of the bands:
have less presence than the others. I just wasn’t as entertained as I could have been, and that’s a shame.
Nylon Sky
One word. Highlight. This Guildford group really put on a show for all the Freshers present. Crazy riffage and A Day Before You solos, large, almost Cream-scale jams, As a fan of melodic hardcore myself, I and the craziest crowd participation this House Band have to say that for a local band these side of Surrey had the audience lapAn overall tight, solid band that did a guys’ performance was commendable. ping it up, and a thunderous end-of set good job of warming up the Solid guitar work, including the efforts -moshpit with the lead singer in the (admittedly small) opening crowd. A of a familiar face about the Sixth Form middle of the melee made a euphoric nice range of genres was also chosen common room, and the energy and climax. for their setlist to appeal to any tastes confidence that engaged with the lingering in the room (bar some of the crowd allowed for a frenetic, enjoyable Tsars more outlandish bands mentioned in set. After their bone-crushing precedents, Alex’s column). One minor gripe Tsars also seemed a little weak. However, Future System though: the levelling could possibly a selection of smooth indie jangle have been better, with the guitar A quite refreshing new sound emergcalmed the mood suitably for the end sounding quite low in the mix, but ing into the sweaty hall, this band had of the night, and they appeared the maybe that’s just me. an interesting merge of electronica and most radio-friendly band. metal, a la Enter Shikari, that together I Believe in Pluto and FMBT with an impressive light show brought To sum up, then, a success of a night I have decided to group these two to- on some of the first stirrings of dance musically, with a variety of bands and a gether because, in my honest opinion, and mosh, though I have to say on the chance to raise some money for a good these bands made the least impression. whole the crowd was disappointingly cause. Roll on next year! FMBT suffered from quite weak vocals quiet for nearly the whole night. All in Will Roberts at times and both bands seemed to all, a band worth looking out for.
Riman’s Roundup Since he came onto the scene, I have always rated Messi as the best player in the world. However, as I watched him make the Champions League semifinal look like some sort of charity event in which he plays against eleven plumbers, it came to me that I could in fact be watching the greatest player to ever play the game.
midfield and defence to score a majestic everyone can try to replicate Messi’s goal. honesty and professionalism.
Aside from his raw physical attributes, Messi has a certain honesty and professionalism that make him stand out further from the modern professional. In the same game that I saw Mascherano reel around on the floor having been gingerly stroked by Diarra, and on the The first thing that strikes anyone who same night that Ronaldo seemed to watches Messi is his speed. This man is stop trying because he didn’t like the rapid. Often drawing defenders in and ref, Messi got smashed and kicked then humiliating them with a deadly every time he found the ball at his feet burst of pace, there seems to be very yet never once berated the referee or few players in the world that would be writhed on the floor. able to match him for speed. Along with his pace comes another attribute As the fame of football players increases, that I feel defines a great player: balance. it becomes more and more important His ability to maintain control as he for them to be positive role models. weaves and ducks through player after Although kids around the world may player mirrors that of Maradona in not be able to replicate his genius, 1986 when he glided through England’s
It is obviously bold to say outright that Messi is the best player in history, as he follows some true magicians such as Maradona, Pelé and our Bobby. But when I watch Messi play, there seems to be something that separates him from the other great players, that being his creative genius. Whether it be a flick to turn a defender or a scoop over the goalkeeper, nearly everything he does surprises the onlooker. This unpredictable streak that never fails to astound me leads me to believe that yes, Lionel Messi is the best player ever. Harley Riman
Sixth Form Mercury, March 2011
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Sheepish Thoughts Festivals Special So begins the summer season, and with it comes that mainstay of the musical community during this period: the humble open air festival. Of course Reading and Glastonbury are attracting the usual publicity and that, in my humble opinion, is a shame. (Yes, I realise that they’re two of the biggest festivals in the UK, and no, it hasn’t escaped me that they’ve attracted the kind of headline acts each year that most venues would kill for.)
world’s largest circle pit and this year could be the time to set a new record. There's a solid line-up, with appearances from big boys like Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine, and also lesser known bands such as Your Demise and Suicide Silence. It's metal only here guys, expect little else. At the new price of £180 I’d be the first to admit I’m a little disappointed but it’s certainly an alternative for anyone who likes their music heavy. Definitely worth a try.
sun with some mates and watching the show. Located in Kent, it’s not far off at all, and its price of £130 is perfectly reasonable. However, watch out - if you intend to camp, you must buy an additional camping ticket at the ungainly cost of £30. It’s a right kick in the teeth but one that on reflection I’d lie down and take happily. Offset
Now I seriously doubt that anyone out there has heard of this one. It’s located Sonisphere up in London, generally round the end of Up in Knebworth, north of London, Son- the summer holidays, and it's something isphere has fast become a serious conof a mix-match of bands. In the past it’s tender for hard-rock and metal fans out hosted everyone from The Horrors to there. This year’s line-up boasts the Dead Swans and this is because it is inclusion of the Big Four of thrash metal home to a whole series of stages, each (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax) as sponsored by a record company and with well as the likes of Biffy Clyro and finishing their respective artists playing. But Offwith shock rock icons, Slipknot, closing set has one major flaw: as yet, no line-up up shop. Others include Parkway Drive, has been announced or tickets proffered, In Flames, and the acclaimed best live however due to its freakish timing that's punk act in the UK, Gallows. More relaxed, not totally unexpected. So what can I say and with perhaps less of the hype associ- on this one? Keep your ears to the ated with Download, Sonisphere is a ground and watch this space for news. It great alternative choice, with a price tag could just be the perfect festival for similar to Reading at £185. Moreover it’s someone with a bunch of mates who’ve easier to access, with more transport all got different tastes. links. And that’s my view on a couple of this Hop Farm year’s other festivals. If you want to know more get online before tickets run It isn't a metal festival. Gasp. I know, I’m out, because they certainly won’t last a little stunned too, but when you take a forever. Bear in mind that you can allook and see what this one’s about, ways buy day tickets for most of these Download maybe you’ll understand. Hop Farm tries and so if you’re really split and terminally Being a metal fan, it came as first instinct to get back to roots, and thus has no low on cash, why not simply do a couple sponsorship or branding which in this to start here. Download is the biggest of days here and there instead? Always metal/hard-rock based festival in the UK day and age is just plain weird. But I like an option. And if you’re dead set on and with good reason. This year Armenian weird and this one sits great with me. If Reading or Glasto as your choice of festival you’re up for a combination of 80s legends, System of a Down, have this year, I would seriously suggest you names like the Eagles, Iggy, the Stooges reformed to headline with glam rockers examine your priorities. Paying to see My and Lou Reed mixed with newer names Chemical Romance is a crime, never Def Leppard and nü-metallers Linkin Park. This is one for the serious fans out like City & Colour and Newton Faulkner, mind paying £185 for the privilege. there. Sleep is for other people. If you’re stick with this one and you’ll be golden. In terms of atmosphere, this festo is simply Alex Nash not up for moshing, bring shin pads. In the definition of zen, and as such is for recent years it’s been home to the anyone who’s up for lying about in the This article was meant to be a bit of a head to head of this year’s best alternative festivals, but I feel it only fair that I justify myself first. I mean, I just trash-talked Reading. That’s practically blasphemy, right? I’ll give it to you in a nutshell: it costs too much and offers too little. Glasto was once something beautiful. Admittedly, it was covered in mud and had a perpetual hangover, but it managed to stagger out of its tent each year for the next round. Now it’s merely an example of how people will pay anything for a name. As for Reading, it has become too bloated and self-content, and its ticket prices have steadily crept up. If paying over the odds is what turns you on, I don’t begrudge you it, or at least not totally, but I’d ask you shop around first. In any case, there are certainly a few other festivals out there which don’t require you to do terrible things to your wallet - and I’m here to quickly share my thoughts.
