In this passage from "All the Pretty Horses" by Cormac McCarthy, the protagonist finds himself in a quiet, desolate setting where he is attuned to the sounds of nature. Instead of building a fire, he focuses on the simple yet profound aspects of his environment, such as the horse grazing nearby and the wind sweeping through the emptiness around him. The imagery of stars moving across the sky and fading into darkness emphasizes the solitude of his situation.

As he lies there, grappling with intense emotional pain, McCarthy vividly describes his heart's suffering as if it were a physical stake, underscoring the depth of his anguish. This metaphor reveals the character's internal struggle and the weight of his experiences, suggesting that while the external world is peaceful, his inner turmoil is overwhelming. The contrast between the serene setting and his emotional agony highlights the complexity of his feelings and the burdens he carries.