That night, though I was weary with the day, I took to the roof again.... My fingertips rested lightly on the wooden rail. I could not know if stars were equal to each other, but if they were, then the dim ones must be far and farther away, and toward those reaches I hurled my soul.
In Sena Jeter Naslund's "Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer," the protagonist reflects on the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Despite feeling tired from the day, she ascends to the roof, seeking solace among the stars. Her delicate touch on the wooden rail symbolizes her connection to the infinite universe, where each star holds significance. She contemplates the distance of the dim stars, pondering whether they share equality with the brighter ones.
This moment becomes a metaphor for her own longing and aspirations, as she metaphorically throws her soul toward the vastness beyond. It captures her quest for understanding and a deeper connection to the cosmos, revealing her innermost desires and the vast possibilities that life holds. Through this imagery, Naslund beautifully illustrates the protagonist's journey of reflection and hope.
