In "The 42nd Parallel," John Dos Passos illustrates a moment in life marked by the intersection of personal experiences and significant events. The protagonist reflects on witnessing the confirmation ceremony of several young girls while missing the rare opportunity to see Halley's Comet. This juxtaposition highlights a sense of longing and the passage of time, as the character contemplates the fleeting nature of moments and the inevitability of aging. The repetitive phrase during the ceremony creates a backdrop of solemnity and ritual, contrasting with the individual's inner thoughts. The wonder about not being alive for the next appearance of Halley's Comet underscores themes of mortality and the desire for connection to moments beyond one’s control. Through these reflections, Dos Passos captures the blend of mundane life and profound existential questioning.