Physical attributes and atmosphere of Galapagos Islands. Speaks of Mellville and Darwin

During the nineteenth century, two prominent writers, Herman Melville and Charles Darwin both voyaged to the Galapagos islands off the coast of Ecuador. Both of these individuals wrote descriptive passages about the physical attributes and atmosphere of the Galapagos Islands. The passages vary in specific content due to the intentions and interests of the respective authors, even though the object described is the same. Charles Darwin, best known for the theory of evolution, wrote for …

…even the bushes smelt unpleasantly.' The use of 'even' by Darwin implies that other objects on the island emit a stench as well. With a similar outlook, Mellville writes: 'ruin itself can work little more upon them.' These passages, both written about the Galapagos Islands, have many significant differences, as well as some similarities. They demonstrate contrasting ways to perceive and relate a subject as well as the Bible and books of law.