Sorry that this post isn't responding directly to the idea of numerology, but it is intriguing that the numbers we have been talking about are all prime with the exception of 9. I think it is doubtful that Tolkien had serious reasons for using these numbers in regard to the development of the story, but they do add a certain accent to it. And are fasinating. Why 9 and is that significant?
As far as Mr. Melville's writing, who on earth would pick names (Peleg, Ahab Etc.) with such Biblical connotions if they weren't trying to say something extra....
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[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]