In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the imagery of black thunderclouds and distant lightning evokes a sense of foreboding. The lightning, likened to welding visible through smoke, suggests an underlying tension and the notion of repair amidst chaos. This metaphor symbolizes the flaws in both the landscape and perhaps in human experiences, hinting at the necessity for resolution in a flawed world.

The dark backdrop of the storm reflects the characters' journeys and struggles. As they navigate their paths, the challenges they face resonate with the idea of battling internal and external storms, reinforcing the themes of struggle and the search for hope. McCarthy's vivid descriptions enhance the emotional weight of the narrative, drawing readers into the complexities of his characters' lives.