The jungle is depicted as an overwhelming environment, saturated with heat and moisture, creating a sensation akin to being in a poorly ventilated warehouse filled with oily rags. This intense warmth seems to stimulate the lush foliage, making it flourish in an exaggerated manner. The description illustrates a vibrant yet oppressive atmosphere where the heat affects everything in the surroundings.
This lush setting is alive with sound, as birds and small creatures contribute to a cacophony of life. However, beneath this energetic noise lies a captivating silence that reflects the growth of the vegetation. Mailer effectively captures the jungle's complex ecosystem, where the hustle of animals contrasts with the subtle but constant sound of plants thriving in their humid habitat.