Meaning: Edward Dahlberg's quote about Herman Melville reflects the perceived isolation and lack of recognition experienced by Melville during his lifetime. The quote draws a parallel between Melville's literary status and the mythical lost city of Atlantis, highlighting the sense of detachment and distance from mainstream literature. This comparison offers insight into Melville's struggle for recognition and the challenges he faced as a writer.

Herman Melville, best known for his novel "Moby-Dick," was a 19th-century American author whose works often delved into themes of human nature, morality, and the complexities of existence. Despite his literary contributions, Melville faced significant obstacles in gaining widespread acclaim and success during his lifetime. His writing was often ahead of its time, and he grappled with financial struggles and critical indifference, leading to a sense of alienation from the literary establishment of his era.

Edward Dahlberg's comparison of Melville to the lost Atlantis conveys the idea that Melville's literary significance and impact were not fully appreciated or acknowledged by the mainstream literary community of his time. The quote suggests that, like the mythical Atlantis, Melville's work existed in a realm apart from the "great peoples of the earth," signifying a lack of connection or recognition from the broader literary world.

Dahlberg's choice of imagery in likening Melville's literary isolation to the lost Atlantis is striking and thought-provoking. The reference to Atlantis, a fabled civilization that disappeared and was lost to history, conveys a sense of mystery and obscurity surrounding Melville's place in the literary landscape. The comparison underscores the idea that Melville's work was overlooked or misunderstood during his lifetime, akin to a lost and enigmatic civilization that remains distant and inaccessible.

Furthermore, the quote implies that Melville's literary legacy endured despite the challenges he faced, much like the enduring fascination with the mythical Atlantis. Although Melville may have been marginalized during his lifetime, his contributions to literature have since been recognized and celebrated, with "Moby-Dick" in particular being regarded as a seminal work in American literature.

Dahlberg's quote serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of literary recognition and the challenges faced by pioneering writers who may find themselves at odds with prevailing literary tastes and norms. It underscores the enduring relevance of Melville's work and the enduring impact of his writing, despite the initial lack of acknowledgment during his lifetime.

In conclusion, Edward Dahlberg's quote about Herman Melville offers a compelling perspective on the challenges and isolation experienced by the renowned author during his lifetime. Through the metaphor of the lost Atlantis, the quote conveys the sense of detachment and separation from mainstream literature that Melville encountered. It prompts reflection on the enduring legacy of Melville's writing and the complexities of literary recognition, highlighting the significance of his contributions to American literature.