In Jonathan Lethem's "The Fortress of Solitude," the narrative captures a sense of caution and unease that permeated the days following Halloween. The imagery of children hesitating to leave their homes suggests an atmosphere thick with apprehension. This reflects a collective consciousness shaped by recent events or experiences that linger in their minds.

The descriptions evoke a stark and gloomy environment, with the week described as both “hungover” and “ominous.” The interplay of light and shadows, coupled with a sky that seems to press down upon the rooftops, reinforces the tension felt within the community, hinting at underlying themes of fear and uncertainty in a seemingly ordinary setting.