SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION TO LITERARY CLASSIFICATION

Moving From…

Ed Ricketts (1897-1948)and Marine ClassificationMarine biologist who gathered samples in Monterey, CA

Renaissance Man and great friend of Steinbeck, basis for Doc character in Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday.

Developed the idea that we can study marine life not strictly by phylum, but by habitat or tidal pool. Diverse organisms working with each other in one specific setting.

Straight Phylum Classification

All the same overall type.

Marine Biology: All mollusks in oceans all over the world.

Literature: All the female characters in Romeo and Juliet.

All the species in one habitat.

Marine Biology: Sea anemone, starfish, clams in one small tidal pool.

Literature: All the people at the Capulet party, young, old, differing families and social classes.

Ricketts’ Tidal Pool Classification

A selection of species in one vast habitat unified by something more specific than straight phylum or straight habitat.

Marine Biology: All the species within a tidal pool that can survive outside water for a time.

Literature: All the men at the Capulet party who like to fight.

Hybrid Phylum/Tidal Pool Classification