In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the character reflects on a face that is lifeless and ravaged, hidden beneath the fabric of death. The description highlights the weariness of the features, including a faded moustache and fragile eyelids. The repeated line emphasizes the somber reality that what lies before him is far from a peaceful slumber, suggesting a deeper contemplation of mortality.

This moment captures the weight of loss and the harsh truth of existence, as the character grapples with the signs of death. The vivid imagery serves to confront readers with the fragility of life and the inevitability of grief, making it clear that the stillness observed is not a tranquil rest but a profound end.