46 pages 1 hour read

Herman Melville

Benito Cereno

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1855

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In "Benito Cereno," Captain Amasa Delano encounters a distressed Spanish ship, the San Dominick, and its visibly ill Captain Benito Cereno along the coast of Chile in 1799. Delano observes unsettling dynamics between the few Spanish sailors and numerous enslaved Black individuals aboard. Amid suspicious interactions and distressing incidents, Delano endeavors to comprehend the ship’s predicament. The story involves depictions of racism and enslavement, along with outdated and offensive terms for Black individuals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Herman Melville's Benito Cereno is lauded for its intricate narrative and profound social commentary on slavery and human nature. Critics appreciate its suspenseful and thought-provoking plot. However, some find its dense prose challenging and the pacing slow. Overall, it remains a compelling and insightful read, reflecting Melville's literary prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Benito Cereno?

Readers who enjoy Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno typically appreciate complex narratives, maritime settings, and explorations of slavery and morality. Fans of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness or Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works would find this novella compelling due to its dark themes and psychological depth.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Education

Topics

Race / Racism

Education

History: World

Themes

Identity: Race

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil