Student+Notes-Capitalism+and+Socialism

Focus Questions: What is capitalism? An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market; an economic system based on private ownership of capital.

2. What is socialism? Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy; The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved; a political theory advocating state ownership of industry 2: an economic system based on state ownership of capital.

3. Define utopia, especially as envisioned and "practiced" in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. An ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects; A work of fiction describing a utopia; An impractical, idealistic scheme for social and political reform.

reference from: dictionary.com

4. Describe the economic situation in the United States during the time period in which the novel was being written.

5. What economic policies would be most closely linked to the two major philosophical movements of the early to mid 1800's, romanticism and transcendentalism?

6. What elements of capitalism are present in the novel ? (Characters, events, symbols, etc.)

7. What elements of socialism are present in the novel ? (Characters, events, symbols, etc.)

8. What elements of romanticism are present in the novel ? (Characters, events, symbols, etc.)

9. What elements of transcendentalism are present in the novel ? (Characters, events, symbols, etc.)

10. Why is whaling a particularly appropriate industry for Melville to choose as part of an exploration of US economic policy?

11. What seems to be Melville's commentary on the United States and its economic policies and future?

Argument and Shiz: Ahab= Capitalism Ishmal= Socialism Ahab death represents end of capitalism or Melivilles wish of the end capitalism. Because Ishmal lives, Meliville is saying thats Socialism must prevail! Or will prevail...*cough* Yeah...



What is the true essence of Socialism? Socialists proclaim that it is "the equality of mankind," via the equal distribution of wealth, property and social station.



Socialism has always been dependent upon Capitalism, because it is a tool of Capitalism, thereby making Capitalism dependent upon Socialism.