The quote from Thomas Pynchon's "Gravity's Rainbow" uses vivid and humorous imagery to express extreme cold. Pynchon employs a series of exaggerated comparisons that evoke both the chilliness and starkness associated with freezing temperatures. Each phrase adds a layer of humor while highlighting how remarkably cold it is, making readers evoke visualizations of icy conditions.

This creative wording reflects Pynchon's distinctive style, characterized by playful language and surreal descriptions. The comparisons, ranging from whimsical to grotesque, contribute to the novel's broader themes and tone, encapsulating the sense of absurdity and exaggeration in the narrative.