Is it possible that somewhere there are ships setting out? If there are again towns with streetlights, if there are symphonies and newspapers, then what else might this awakening world contain? Perhaps vessels are setting out even now, traveling toward or away from him, steered by sailors armed with maps and knowledge of the stars, driven by need or perhaps simply by curiosity; whatever became of the countries on the other side? If nothing else, it's pleasant to consider the possibility. He likes the thought of ships moving over the water, toward another world just out of sight.
The quote reflects a sense of longing for exploration and the unknown. It suggests that beyond the current existence, there may be vibrant towns and thriving cultures waiting to be discovered. The imagery of ships setting sail evokes a romantic notion of adventure, as if the world is still full of possibilities, just beyond the horizon.
The narrator contemplates not only the physical journey of ships but also the emotional journey of curiosity and discovery. The idea that sailors navigate by the stars symbolizes a quest for knowledge and understanding. This vision of ships moving toward unseen lands emphasizes the beauty of imagination and the hope that life continues to thrive in realms we cannot yet fathom.
