The quote reflects a deep sense of isolation and loneliness, suggesting that the speaker feels utterly disconnected from the rest of the world. This imagery likens their existence to that of wreckage adrift in the vast Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the idea of being adrift without a sense of belonging or purpose. The metaphor of a shipwreck emphasizes the idea of being stranded in an expansive, unforgiving environment, with no hope of rescue or companionship.

This theme resonates throughout Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener," where the character of Bartleby embodies the struggle against isolation and the challenges of human connection. Despite being surrounded by others in a bustling office, Bartleby chooses to retreat into silence and solitude, ultimately underscoring the profound feelings of alienation experienced by individuals in society. The juxtaposition of Bartleby's physical presence with his emotional distance invites readers to reflect on the complexities of loneliness in the modern world.