In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the character reflects on the comfort of studying a map as a distraction from reality. The act of exploring geographical names allows one to escape their immediate concerns and inspires a sense of contemplation. This interaction with a map serves as a metaphor for how people often seek solace in the familiar and structured aspects of life, drawing a contrast between the chaos of human emotions and the order found in geographical representation.

The quote highlights the idea that engaging with maps can evoke a poetic rhythm in the names, transforming them into a melodic experience. This suggests that even in mundane or difficult moments, finding beauty and harmony in small details can provide respite and a shift in perspective. Ultimately, it emphasizes the human tendency to find refuge in the knowledge and order of the world when faced with the complexities of life.