Final answer:
In the novel, the moon symbolizes the deterioration of nature due to societal neglect, the exploitation of the environment by industry, and the transient nature of human endeavors, which overlook the beauty and significance of the natural world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The moon in the novel can be seen as representing several elements of a wasted society. The excerpt provided illustrates the moon diminishing over time, akin to the declining state of nature due to societal neglect. This aligns with ecocritical views that critique the modern society's prioritization of industrialization and consumerism over environmental and planetary health. These activities lead to irreversible changes, much like the moon being bitten away gradually, signifying loss and deterioration. The mention of the moon in the context of a narrative often symbolizes a distancing from nature and the forgotten beauty and significance of the natural world. The river's description as "slavishly bearing its burden day after day" further demonstrates how nature is forced to cater to the needs of industry and society, becoming damaged in the process.
Moreover, the moon carries a cultural significance, being associated with the passage of time and life cycles, as mentioned in reference to an African custom. This can relate to the fleeting nature of human and societal endeavors, which are often transient and can result in the degradation of natural resources and beauty. In summary, the moon in the novel exemplifies the overlooked and exploited aspects of nature, a critique on a society that has sacrificed the vitality of its natural surroundings for progress and profit.