Analysis of “The Lightning-Rod Man”

• What is the main event in "The Lightning-Rod Man"?


  The narrator has an unusual encounter with a door-to-door salesman.
• What do the various allusions in the story represent?


  They contribute to the overall meaning and critique of revivalist missionaries.
• How many types of allusions does Melville use in the story? Name them.


  Five: mythological, biblical, literary, historical, and scientific.
• What is the significance of the lightning-rod man in the story?


  He represents the revivalist missionaries that Melville critiques.
• What does the narrator symbolize in the context of the story?


  The narrator embodies Melville’s own perspective on the themes presented.
• What is the dual purpose of the mythological references to Jupiter in "The Lightning-Rod Man"?


   To reinforce the storm motif and suggest a religious allegory about paganism.
• How does the narrator's statement about the name "Mr. Jupiter Tonans" contribute to the story?


   It indicates that the salesman is seen as a pagan figure and hints at deeper religious themes.
• What philosophical view does Melville emphasize through the character's spirituality?


  Individual spirituality is more important than organized religion.
• What does the lightning-rod man sell, and what is revealed about his products?


  He sells scientific equipment that proves to be largely ineffective.
• What is "globular lightning," and why is it an important reference in the story?


   It's a misnamed term for St. Elmo's Fire, indicating misconceptions in the scientific understanding and the true nature of the salesman and his wares.
• What is Melville's purpose in equating missionaries with pagans and the devil? 


  Understanding the allusions reveals Melville's critique of missionaries.
• How does the lightning-rod salesman present himself?


  He claims his rod is "the only true rod," similar to the idea of "the one true God," without proof.
• Who does the narrator compare the salesman to, and why?


  Johann Tetzel, as both exploit people's fears and profit from false promises.
• What does Melville believe about the missionary movement?


  It destroys cultures instead of providing true spirituality.
• How does the narrator respond to the salesman's claims?


  He uses biblical references to assert his religious belief and show the salesman's falseness.
• What is an example of verbal irony from the text?


  The narrator sarcastically calls the salesman’s rod "a very fine rod" despite the destruction it caused.