But I must be content with only one more and a concluding illustration; a remarkable and most significant one, by which you will not fail to see, that not only is the most marvellous event in this book corroborated by plain facts of the present day, but that these marvels {like all marvels} are mere repetitions of the ages; so that for the millionth time we say amen with Solomon - Verily there is nothing new under the sun.
In this excerpt from Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," the author reflects on the significance of the events within the narrative, suggesting that they are not isolated incidents but rather echoes of timeless experiences. He emphasizes the importance of drawing connections between remarkable occurrences in the story and events in the contemporary world, highlighting that these marvels are not new, but rather repetitions throughout history.
Melville concludes with a nod to an ancient wisdom, echoing Solomon's assertion that there is ultimately nothing new in existence. This serves to reinforce the idea that the themes and experiences depicted in "Moby-Dick" resonate across time, positioning the text not just as a singular work but as part of a broader human experience that continually unfolds.
