The quote reflects the profound impact of displacement and the challenges of adapting to a new environment. Even individuals enriched by knowledge may struggle to maintain their established beliefs and emotions when they encounter a radically different world. The arrival in a new land, devoid of familiar connections and shared experiences, can create a disorienting sense of isolation.

This transition forces a confrontation with the unfamiliar, where the essence of human existence takes on new dimensions. The familiar joys and sorrows may feel distant or invalidated in this novel context, indicating that our personal histories are deeply tied to the environments we inhabit. In essence, Eliot highlights the fragile nature of identity and belief when faced with the unknown.