Typee is an adventure novel by Herman Melville that was first published in 1846 with the subtitle A Peep at Polynesian Life. The author’s first published work presents an indeterminate mixture of fiction and factual details from Melville’s adventures in the South Seas as a sailor—framed to reflect his distinctive philosophy of life. Upon its publication, Typee was criticized for its mockery of missionaries and its open discussion of sexuality, but it was also Melville’s best-selling and best-known text until being overtaken by Moby-Dick in the 1930s.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in Typee and in-depth analyses of Tommo, Mehevi, Fayaway, and Toby.

Literary Devices

Here is where you will find analysis of key themes, motifs, and symbols in Typee.

Quotes

Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Typee.

Deeper Study

Go further in your study of Typee by reading background information about Herman Melville and his novel as well as mini essays on key topics.