In the passage from "Dubliners" by James Joyce, the character is engulfed in darkness and a profound sense of solitude. Despite his anticipation and desire for connection, he cannot perceive the presence of a companion nearby, nor can he hear any comforting sounds that might indicate her closeness. The deep silence of the night underscores his isolation.

This stark quietness amplifies his feelings of loneliness, as he waits in vain for any sign of life around him. The absence of sound and the feeling of solitude highlight his emotional state, revealing the profound impact of isolation on the human experience.