Meaning: The quote you provided is from the author Karl Moritz. It is a description of the houses that he observed in the streets he passed through. Moritz's use of contrasting adjectives like "dark and gloomy" and "prodigiously great and majestic" suggests a complex and ambivalent perception of the buildings. This quote can be interpreted as a reflection of Moritz's nuanced and multi-faceted experience of the urban environment.

Karl Moritz was a German author and travel writer who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is best known for his travelogue "Travels in England in 1782," in which he recounted his experiences and observations during his journey through England. The quote you provided is likely drawn from this work, as it captures Moritz's keen powers of observation and his ability to convey his impressions of the places he visited in vivid and evocative language.

When Moritz describes the houses as "dark and gloomy," he may be referring to their physical appearance, suggesting that they exude a sense of mystery or foreboding. This description could also reflect his emotional response to the architecture and the atmosphere of the streets. The use of the word "yet" indicates a contrast or contradiction in his perception, as he also finds the houses "prodigiously great and majestic." This juxtaposition of opposing qualities conveys a sense of ambiguity and complexity in his assessment of the buildings.

The phrase "prodigiously great and majestic" suggests that despite their darkness and gloominess, the houses possess a grandeur and imposing presence that commands Moritz's attention and admiration. This description conveys a sense of awe and reverence for the architecture and the urban landscape. Moritz's use of language in this quote reveals his ability to convey a sense of paradox and duality in his experience of the built environment.

It is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which Moritz was writing. The late 18th century was a time of significant social and economic change, particularly in England, where Moritz was traveling. The rapid growth of cities and the expansion of urban areas brought about a transformation in the architectural landscape, with new forms of housing and urban development emerging. Moritz's observations of the houses and streets he encountered may reflect the tensions and contradictions inherent in this period of urban transition.

In conclusion, the quote from Karl Moritz captures his nuanced and evocative portrayal of the urban environment. Through his use of contrasting adjectives and vivid language, Moritz conveys a sense of ambivalence and complexity in his perception of the houses he observed. This quote exemplifies Moritz's talent for capturing the multi-faceted nature of the built environment and his ability to evoke a rich sense of place in his writing.