In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the imagery conveys a haunting atmosphere where darkness dominates. The phrase "Dark of the invisible moon" suggests a world shrouded in despair, where even the moon fails to provide its light, reinforcing the overwhelming gloom that surrounds the characters. They navigate through a night that feels slightly less oppressive yet remains deeply unsettling.

The contrasting imagery of "the banished sun" highlights the desolation of the post-apocalyptic landscape. The sun, personified as a grieving mother, emphasizes a sense of loss and sorrow. It circles the earth not with warmth, but like a forlorn protector carrying a lamp, symbolizing hope that is dimmed yet persistent amidst the pervasive darkness of their journey.