In the passage from Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," the sun's descent is portrayed with a sense of foreboding. As it sinks lower in the sky, its bright white light loses vibrancy, transitioning to a dull red. This change symbolizes not just the end of the day but also reflects a deeper darkness looming over the men gathered below.

The imagery illustrates a powerful emotional landscape where the sun’s gradual decline signifies an impending doom. The sun appears almost lifeless, suggesting a loss of hope and vitality among the men, who seem overshadowed by a pervasive gloom. This moment highlights the novel's exploration of existential themes and the struggle against obscuring darkness.