How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Bless my soul! Do you mean, sir, in the dark amongst the lot of all them islands and reefs and shoals? (2.124)
When he hears that the ship is going to turn toward the nearby reefs and islands, the chief mate almost loses his mind. He can't think of any possible reason to tempt fate like this and take the boat into such dangerous waters. But then again, he doesn't realize that the captain is trying to drop a friend off at the nearest island.
Quote #5
Unknown to trade, to travel, almost to geography, the manner of life [the islands] harbor is an unsolved secret" (2.119)
The captain tells us that the islands in his boat's vicinity are pretty much unknown to any European travellers. No one even knows what kinds of animals or people live on them.
Quote #6
The night, clear and starry, sparkled darkly, and the opaque, lightless patches shifting slowly against the low stars were the drifting islets. (2.144)
Again, the captain shows us how observant he is of the natural world around him. When you're out at sea, you get a lot of time to stare out into nature. And when you spend 99% of your time staring at open water, any kind of land is going to make a big impression – even at night.