In Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass," the narrative vividly depicts a perilous atmosphere, where danger looms in the form of arrows. The imagery of arrows descending "like rain" suggests an overwhelming and relentless threat, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This metaphor conveys a sense of inevitability, as if the characters are trapped in a moment of impending doom, where the stakes are incredibly high.
The phrase "straight rods of rain tipped with death" further illustrates the lethal nature of these arrows, transforming them from mere projectiles into symbols of mortality. This stark description creates a chilling visual that enhances the tension in the story, highlighting the characters' struggles against forces beyond their control.