In the passage from Cormac McCarthy's "Suttree," the imagery of a damaged streetlamp conveys a sense of decay and loss. The moon-shaped hole symbolizes something that has been removed or broken, allowing darkness to seep into the environment. The mention of "aspiring insects" suggests a natural cycle, yet their burnt and lifeless forms indicate futility and despair within this natural order.
This stark depiction reflects McCarthy's themes of hopelessness and the harsh realities of life. The steady rain of lifeless creatures emphasizes a world where beauty is overshadowed by suffering, capturing the essence of struggle against a backdrop of desolation. It evokes a somber reflection on existence and the inevitability of mortality in a seemingly indifferent universe.