In this quote from "Tropic of Capricorn" by Henry Miller, the speaker expresses a deep desire for transformation and escape from the mundane reality. The yearning to become a creature of the sea, like a leviathan, illustrates a wish for profound change and destruction of the existing world. This longing suggests a desire to return to a more primal state, away from the complexities of urban life, to a place of solitude and introspection.

The imagery of the earth swallowing the city and seeking refuge in a cave evokes themes of isolation and reflection. The speaker longs to extinguish the distractions of the world to reconnect with their own identity and desires. This wish for solitude over a long period emphasizes the need to process experiences and seek deeper understanding, highlighting the transformative power of loneliness and contemplation.