The scene takes place at night, with a loud chorus of insects and moths drawn to a lamp, leading to their inevitable demise. The narrator reflects on their earlier moments on the veranda, feeling a deep sense of envy for the various forms of life around them. These creatures, unlike the narrator, do not carry the weight of moral knowledge and the complexity that comes with it.

This contemplation leads to a philosophical observation about the nature of existence. The narrator perceives the "abyss" as a vibrant embodiment of reality, suggesting that life is rich and self-aware, but also hinting at the burden of understanding that humans must face. The passage captures a longing for the simplicity of being untouched by the dichotomy of good and evil.