The quote reflects the shift from the natural rhythms of rural life to the rigid structure imposed by military discipline. The "mercilessly even drumbeat" symbolizes how the army's organized time management dominates the lives of the country people, erasing their traditional ways of living. It emphasizes the intrusive nature of military time, which dictates the order of events to serve its own needs.

This imposition of "military Clock-Time" illustrates how authority can disrupt local customs and lifestyles. The arrival of the army signifies a change in power dynamics, where personal and community life is structured around the needs of the military. This transformation underscores the broader themes of control and the loss of autonomy, as the rhythm of life becomes subordinated to the forces of order and discipline represented by the military.