This passage emphasizes the idea that joy cannot exist in isolation from sorrow. Melville suggests that the sun, representing happiness, does not illuminate the darker aspects of life, such as Virginia's Dismal Swamp or the vast deserts. These locations symbolize the universal struggles and griefs that exist alongside moments of happiness, indicating that all experiences are intertwined.
Moreover, Melville argues that a person who experiences more joy than sorrow lacks authenticity...