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Let America add Mexico to Texas, and pile Cuba upon…

“Let America add Mexico to Texas, and pile Cuba upon Canada; let the English overswarm all India, and hang out their blazing banner from the sun; two thirds of this terraqueous globe are the Nantucketer's. For the sea is his; he owns it.” quote by Herman Melville
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“Let America add Mexico to Texas, and pile Cuba upon Canada; let the English overswarm all India, and hang out their blazing banner from the sun; two thirds of this terraqueous globe are the Nantucketer's. For the sea is his; he owns it.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker claims universal ownership of the sea, mocking imperial claims.

In simple terms: He declares the sea belongs to everyone.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shared nature of resources.

Themes

imperialism colonialism environment humor

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • environmental policy
  • education
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

property rights global perspective ecology satire

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “the sea is his” suggest about ownership?
  • How does satire expose power?
A Different Perspective

Overstates claim for dramatic effect.

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