How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
How shall I describe the scenery that met my eye, as I looked out from this verdant recess! The narrow valley, [...] nearly hidden from view by masses of leafy verdure, seemed from where I stood like an immense arbour disclosing its vista to the eye, whilst as I advanced it insensibly widened into the loveliest vale eye ever beheld. (3.39)
Note: it's not just the most beautiful valley Tommo's every seen; it's the most beautiful valley anyone has ever seen.
Quote #2
Very often when lost in admiration at its beauty, I have experienced a pang of regret that a scene so enchanting should be hidden from the world in these remote seas, and seldom meet the eyes of devoted lovers of nature. (4.19)
Of course nature is hidden, Tommo. If wilderness were in the middle of city, it probably wouldn't be wilderness anymore.
Quote #3
The lonely bay of Nukuheva, dotted here and there with the black hulls of the vessels composing the French squadron, lay reposing at the base of a circular range of elevations, whose verdant sides, perforated with deep glens or diversified with smiling valleys, formed altogether the loveliest view I ever beheld, and were I to live a hundred years, I shall never forget the feeling of admiration which I then experienced. (6.28)
The admiration is in the past. Can we ever hold on to the feeling we felt, once?
Quote #4
Had a glimpse of the gardens of Paradise been revealed to me, I could scarcely have been more ravished with the sight. (6.42)
"Awe" and "amazement" are both words commonly linked to religion; it's no surprise that Melville reaches for a religious analogy here.
Quote #5
The sight that now greeted us was one that will ever be vividly impressed upon my mind. (7.25)
Telling a true story (or a "true" story) is always a tricky proposition, because it can only ever be based on what you remember, not necessary on reality (whatever that might be).
Quote #6
I wish that it were possible to sketch in words this spot as vividly as I recollect it. (12.10)
The loss of language for this hearty storyteller shows that he really means business.
Quote #7
This lovely sheet of water was almost circular in figure, and about three hundred yards across. Its beauty was indescribable. (18.1)
Sure, it was indescribable…but please allow me to describe it, anyway.
Quote #8
[...] fell upon the grotesquely-tattooed form of Kory-Kory, and finally, encountered the pensive gaze of Fayaway, I thought I had been transported to some fairy region, so unreal did everything appear. (18.10)
Though Typee never slides fully into the surreal, Tommo's incredulity certainly makes it feel uncanny at times.
Quote #9
[...] the most bewitching ankle in the universe. (18.15)
We'd really like to get a look at that ankle.
Quote #10
So vain had I become by the lavish attention to which I had been accustomed, that I felt half inclined, as a punishment for such neglect, to give this Marnoo a cold reception, when the excited throng came within view, convoying one of the most striking specimens of humanity that I ever beheld. (18.19)
Here Tommo is feeling extreme coolness after living in extreme warmth. Is it only the contrast that makes Marnoo's slight feel so damning?