In a quiet night, the narrator is awakened by the sound of large wings flapping nearby. He witnesses a strange, mysterious creature that resembles a bat but has the head of a violin, creating a surreal and haunting image. This unusual being is perched on the bedrail, evoking a sense of wonder and eeriness.
Durrell captures a dreamlike moment that blurs the line between reality and imagination. The creature’s bizarre appearance leaves a lasting impression, symbolizing perhaps the strange and unpredictable nature of the story's environment or the inner thoughts of the characters.