In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, the imagery of night evokes contemplation about the nature of darkness. The phrase "night falls" suggests a descending heaviness, contrasting with the uplifting connotation of dawn. This creates a sense of inevitability about the onset of night and its weight, as if it obscures vision and understanding, compared to the enlightenment brought forth by daybreak.

The description of night as a black sun rising gives a striking visual of darkness spreading across the sky. This notion implies an ominous presence, akin to smoke from a hidden fire, suggesting both destruction and a loss of clarity. The yearning for better vision in the dark symbolizes a desire for insight amidst confusion, resonating with the themes of oppression and the struggle for clarity in the narrative.