In Haruki Murakami's "After Dark," the imagery of a character's pupils conveys a sense of isolation and melancholy. The comparison to "lonely hue" and "grey clouds" suggests a deep, reflective emptiness, hinting at emotional turbulence beneath a calm surface. This metaphor captures the essence of the character's inner life, portraying how external appearances can mask profound feelings of solitude.

The lake metaphor implies stillness, yet the grey clouds indicate an underlying sadness, making the reader contemplate the complexity of human emotions. Through this vivid description, Murakami enhances the thematic exploration of loneliness and connection, inviting readers to reflect on what lies beneath the surface of interactions and appearances in life.