"And I only am escaped alone to tell thee." JOB
The Drama's Done. Why then here does any one step forth? - Because one did survive the wreck.
Musing: Ishmael speaks now and quotes from Job. Like Job, Ishmael has been tested and here he lets us know he has survived and is reconciled, somehow, with God. The drama, Ishmael also tells us, is over. But why say more? Because he is a survivor. When I wonder why this book speaks to me, I go to this ending. Why speak? Because survivors should. This line has given me courage over the years to speak. I am always, always reminded that I survived a wreck myself. In this moment of communion with Ishmael, I always feel strength.