How math and literature are unexpectedly connected

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

The Divine Comedy is an Italian narrative poem begun around 1308 and completed around 1321. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The poem discusses the state of the soul after death and presents an image of divine justice, describing Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is an allegory representing the soul's journey towards God, drawing on medieval Catholic theology and philosophy, especially Thomistic philosophy. The work is considered one of the greatest in Italian literature and Western literature, and it helped establish the Tuscan language as the standardized Italian language.

Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece that uses fantastical journeys to critique human nature and societal flaws. Gulliver's encounters with Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, and other fantastical creatures serve as allegories for political and social issues of Swift's time. The novel's sharp wit and biting satire continue to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless commentary on human folly and the complexities of power. Gulliver's experiences highlight the absurdity of human conflict and the importance of reason and moderation. The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and challenging readers' assumptions.

The book follows Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who narrowly escapes execution during the Russian Revolution due to a revolutionary poem he wrote. Instead, he is sentenced to house arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Over the next thirty-two years, the Count adjusts to his new life, forming friendships with the hotel's staff and guests, and navigating the changing political landscape of the Soviet Union. The novel explores themes of parental duty, friendship, romance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Set in 1866, 'The Luminaries' follows Walter Moody as he arrives in the New Zealand goldfields and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a series of unsolved crimes. The novel richly evokes a world of goldrush boom and bust, with a complex and exquisitely patterned narrative that combines elements of a ghost story and a gripping mystery. It is known for its masterful structuring and plotting, and its historical register is pitch-perfect.

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a collection of Persian poems attributed to Omar Khayyam, translated into English most famously by Edward FitzGerald. These poems explore themes of fate, mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of pleasure. Khayyam's verses often reflect a sense of existential questioning and a focus on living in the present moment. The Rubaiyat gained immense popularity in the Western world, becoming a symbol of hedonism and philosophical contemplation. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke thought about life's big questions and the human condition.

In 'Jurassic Park', Michael Crichton tells the story of John Hammond, the owner of InGen, who creates a theme park on the fictional island of Isla Nublar featuring dinosaurs cloned from DNA found in amber. The park's safety is questioned by a group of experts, including paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler, and mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm. When a power outage caused by a greedy computer technician disables the park's security systems, the dinosaurs escape, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. The novel delves into themes of genetic engineering, chaos theory, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

In this book, Sarah Hart delves into the myriad connections between mathematics and literature. She demonstrates how mathematical concepts and structures can provide additional layers of depth and meaning to literary works. The book is organized into three sections: the role of mathematics in shaping literary forms, the use of mathematical metaphors and symbolism, and the explicit mathematical themes in various novels. Hart draws examples from a wide range of literature, including works by authors such as Melville, Joyce, and Tolstoy, and discusses topics like geometry, fractals, and cryptography in the context of literature.