And over my head," relates Squire Haligast, "it form'd an E-clipse, an emptiness in the Sky, with a Cloud-shap'd Line drawn all about it, wherein words might appear, and it read,- 'No King . . .
Squire Haligast describes a remarkable phenomenon he witnessed in the sky, where an eclipse created a void that appeared to draw a cloud-like outline around it. This unusual spectacle had the words "No King" inscribed within the space, suggesting a deeper commentary on authority and governance. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and absence, perhaps reflecting a theme of political discontent or the rejection of traditional power structures.
The quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in Thomas Pynchon's novel "Mason & Dixon," where such celestial imagery serves as a metaphor for the characters' struggles and the societal issues of their time. The significance of the phrase "No King" resonates throughout the story, as it challenges notions of sovereignty and invites readers to ponder the implications of leadership and freedom.
