Philosophical Literature; Satire
The Confidence-Man tackles a number of philosophies, ranging from those rooted in the classical tradition, like Diogenes's cynicism, to good old American transcendentalism. But this exploration isn't exactly an earnest one; it's more of a snarky evaluation of different theories as they fail to inspire anyone to just love their fellow man.
Haha, gotcha...is what the devil might say, since character after character in this confounding book faces the question of living up to the foundational religious beliefs—like "love your neighbor"—to which the majority of characters (and probably the majority of Melville's 1857 audience) would have ascribed.
Basically, if a good Christian is supposed to love God and love others, then what are these folks doing suspecting each other at every turn? This darker track is what puts us squarely in satire territory. Melville's having a good laugh, and every time Christian confidence fails, the text asserts, maybe Satan wins. Or, maybe more accurately, every time one of these "Christians" cons another one, the big guy in the sky has to take one for the team.
Ouch.