Quotation #3

3. “I should have buried my master, and then lain down on his grave to die!” (Neb)

This quote was one of the few really powerful quotes I had found in the book. Although this was in the beginning of the book, right after the crash landing of the castaway’s balloon, I found it relevant throughout the story, and not just for poor, loyal Neb. Neb was a former servant of Harding, but when the latter freed him, he wished to stay forever in Harding’s company. So great was his admiration for the captain that upon seeing Harding’s body motionless, he fell to his knees and uttered those words in desperation; that he would rather die than live without his beloved master. This theme would be ominous throughout the story, as Cyrus Harding would be integral to the castaway’s survival on the island, his knowledge being extremely invaluable, to which the rest of the group, albeit also important in their own specific ways, would be indebted to forever.

Neb’s behaviour is not particularly special to him. In many movies, songs, shows, documentaries and even in person I have heard of people saying that would “die” for something or someone. It is the ultimate compliment, to show that your life is not as valuable as something or somebody. Often it is used very lightly, most often the person over-exaggerates and wouldn’t really die for something (you wouldn’t actually die for a cold drink on a hot, summer day, but in this case you use the expression to show in how much need you are of something). However, when it is in a serious context, it can be a very humbling and modest expression, as well as powerful and meaningful. During the World Wars the most important thing for politicians and leaders to implant in the minds of their people was the idea that they would die for their beloved country, king, queen or motherland. It worked, costing millions of lives to be lost. That also shows that while this type of announcement is very meaningful, it can also be illogical and desperate. It is the easy thing to do, to simply take away your life and free yourself of regret or pain, but with a little bit of thinking you can find a much better solution, just as how Neb was sure his master was dead and was ready to do the unthinkable, when Gideon Spilett discovered dear, old Harding was alive.