In this evocative quote from John Cheever's "The Stories of John Cheever," the imagery portrays a surreal and majestic scene. The night setting suggests a sense of mystery and uncertainty, while the presence of kings adorned in golden suits riding elephants adds a layer of grandeur and extravagance. This vivid imagery invites readers to envision a fantastical world, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

The contrast of darkness with the opulence of kings and elephants speaks to the contrasts within life itself. It highlights the coexistence of beauty and the unknown, suggesting that even in darkness, there can be moments of splendor and significance. Cheever’s writing often balances the mundane with the extraordinary, and this quote encapsulates that duality effectively.