When he awoke it was dawn. Or something like dawn. The light was watery, dim and incomparably sad. Vast, grey, gloomy hills rose up all around them and in between the hills there was a wide expanse of black bog.Stephen had never seen a landscape so calculated to reduce the onlooker to utter despair in an instant. This is one of your kingdoms, I suppose, sir? he said. My kingdoms? exclaimed the gentleman in surprize. Oh, no! This is Scotland!
The passage describes a bleak and desolate landscape that greatly impacts the character Stephen. Awakening to a dawn-like light that is dim and sorrowful, he observes the large, grey hills surrounding him, which contribute to a sense of hopelessness. The sight of the black bog further amplifies this feeling of despair, leaving a profound impression on him.
When Stephen comments on the oppressive scenery, he sarcastically refers to it as a kingdom, prompting surprise from the gentleman who corrects him, revealing it to be Scotland. This exchange emphasizes the stark reality of the landscape, underlining its emotional weight and the contrasting idea of nobility linked to one's domain.
