The passage describes a scene in an office where sunlight filters through partially closed blinds, creating a striking visual effect in the cigar smoke that fills the air. The imagery evokes a sense of both warmth and density, suggesting a moment that is both serene and suffocating due to the presence of smoke. This contrast highlights the atmosphere within the workspace, hinting at the complexities of urban life.

John Dos Passos, in "Manhattan Transfer," uses such vivid imagery to depict the environment and emotional landscape of New York City. The elegance of the sunlight cutting through the smoke symbolizes moments of clarity amid the chaos of city living, reflecting the nuanced experiences of the characters navigating their lives amidst the hustle and bustle of urban existence.