A map was a fine thing to study when you were disposed to think of something else, being made up of names that would turn into a chime if you went back upon them.
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.
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