The passage illustrates a moment of deep introspection and emotional turmoil experienced by the narrator. In the middle of the night, they awaken with a sense of sorrow, initially confused about the sound of cries, which they believe might be their own. The dry state of their face contrasts with the feelings of grief they are grappling with, suggesting a disconnect between their internal emotions and physical reality.
Upon realizing that the sounds are merely the rain, the narrator encounters a poignant melancholy, symbolizing the relentless nature of sorrow, akin to the ever-present rain. The act of turning over to seek comfort in sleep signifies a struggle against the weight of sadness, as they attempt to reclaim a sense of peace in a world that feels heavy and overwhelming. This blending of external weather with internal emotion conveys a powerful thematic resonance throughout Bradbury's work.