Final answer:
Herman Melville was a key American novelist of the 19th century, best known for his novel or, The Whale'. His work criticized rampant individualism and added to scholarly discussions, influencing future American literature and literary criticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Herman Melville was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet from the mid-19th century. His work is widely considered part of the American Renaissance in literature. Melville is most famous for his novel or, The Whale, which is hailed as one of the greatest works of American literature.
Additionally, Melville's work Bartleby, The Scrivener is another notable piece that offers insight into themes of isolation and the human condition. His contributions to literature have opened up new interpretations and scholarly discussions, influencing various aspects of American literature and paving the way for modernist writers like Ernest Hemingway.