In the novel "The Dark Is Rising" by Susan Cooper, the atmosphere is depicted as a profound stillness, where both the house and its inhabitants are enveloped in an undisturbable slumber. This imagery creates a sense of isolation and tranquility, suggesting that life pauses in a timeless moment. The tranquility sets the stage for events that may soon disrupt this peace, emphasizing the contrast between stillness and the unfolding adventure.

This quote encapsulates the essence of the story’s theme, illustrating a world on the verge of awakening to hidden challenges. The idea that sleep may be unbroken hints at a deeper significance, suggesting that each character is unknowingly poised at the cusp of changes that will soon jolt them from their complacency. It highlights the tension between rest and the impending call to action that is central to the narrative.