In this excerpt from Nabokov's 'Lolita', the setting is depicted as dark and bleak, reflecting a sense of despair. The protagonist finds themselves trapped, with headlights illuminating only a deep ditch filled with water. This imagery emphasizes the isolation and hopelessness felt by the character, as the surroundings become an indistinguishable void, reminiscent of a dark desert.

The struggle to escape is evident, yet the rear wheels of the vehicle only produce a mournful sound, reinforcing the theme of helplessness. The vivid description conveys a profound sense of grief and despair, tapping into the emotional turmoil faced by the character in this dire situation.