So, cutting the lashing of the waterproof match keg, after many failures Starbuck contrived to ignite the lamp in the lantern; then stretching it on a waif pole, handed it to Queequeg as the standard-bearer of this forlorn hope. There, then, he sat, holding up that imbecile candle in the heart of that almighty forlornness. There, then, he sat, the sign and symbol of a man without faith, hopelessly holding up hope in the midst of despair.

Summary

In this quote from Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, Starbuck manages to light a lamp in a lantern after numerous unsuccessful attempts. He then hands it to Queequeg, who becomes the symbolic bearer of hope in their dire situation. Sitting amidst overwhelming hopelessness, Queequeg holds up the candle as a sign of defiance, representing a man without faith trying to sustain hope in the face of despair. This quote highlights the power of resilience and determination, as well as the human capacity to cling to hope even in the darkest of circumstances.