...and he realized that he missed the old days of sailing, the ship almost willowy and hesitant, responsive to winds and weathers - not this hard, unthinking, mechanical drive toward a goal or destinations, so typical of the age itself.

๐Ÿ“– Jay Parini

๐ŸŒ American  |  ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Writer

๐ŸŽ‚ April 2, 1948
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In Jay Parini's novel "The Passages of H. M.: A Novel of Herman Melville," the protagonist reflects on his nostalgia for the simpler, more organic experience of sailing. He recalls a time when the ship felt alive, responding gracefully to the natural elements rather than being a rigid machine focused solely on reaching a destination. This sentiment evokes a longing for a connection to the past, emphasizing a more harmonious relationship with nature.

This reflection serves as a commentary on the modern era, which often prioritizes efficiency and goal-oriented progress over the pleasure of the journey itself. The character's yearning represents a broader critique of society's mechanization and loss of a more mindful approach to life, highlighting the contrast between the soulful experience of sailing and the relentless drive for advancement characteristic of contemporary times.

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March 23, 2025

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