In "The Handmaid's Tale," Margaret Atwood presents a poignant reflection on darkness and repression. The metaphor of night falling as a heavy curtain suggests a deliberate obscuring of reality, hinting at the weight of despair and suppression experienced by the characters. This imagery evokes a sense of helplessness, emphasizing how overwhelming forces can shield individuals from the truth and the light of hope.

The quote illustrates the emotional and psychological impacts of living under a totalitarian regime. As night symbolizes not just the absence of light but also the presence of fear, it signifies the struggles of the protagonists. Atwood's narrative shows how such darkness can stifle individuality and freedom, paralleling the societal themes of control and submission that permeate the novel.