Ishmael as an Ideological Novel

Ishmael is a clear example of an ideological novel. It could be argued that the primary ideology is environmentalist, but I think that the primary purpose is to challenge human selfishness. Much of the novel is dedicated to challenging the prevailing thinking of the so called "takers," and their selfish tendencies. Some of this challenge is obvious, as Ishmael leads his pupil to an understanding of human mythology, and it's selfish assumption that humans make an end point in evolution. Ishmael compares human mythology to a prehistoric creature. This creature, having just crawled out of the ocean, assumes it is the pinnacle of all evolution or creation. There are also very clear challenges to assumptions of the Earth as a personal possession, which can rightfully be used however humans like. Ishmael admires the leavers more than the takers. They are seen as uncivilized to modern man, but their way of life was much less harmful to the planet.

A more hidden critique comes in the form of Ishmael himself. Given a biblical name, and a mission to inform humans of their mistakes and selfishness, he is the height of wisdom in this novel. This is both a challenge and a reprimand to the human race. Ishmael is a gorilla, it can be assumed he should be unintelligent and live on impulses alone. Instead, he is a wise teacher. He shows that it is not animals, or uncivilized tribes, that are backwards, but the civilized man. Man is living on impulses, and has been tricked into believing this behavior is superior. Ishmael himself is a challenge to assumptions about the hierarchy and goodness of different creatures living on the planet.