In this excerpt from "Tortilla Flat" by John Steinbeck, two characters stroll along a dark beach towards Monterey, illuminated by lights that resemble a series of necklaces strung along the hills. The imagery of sand dunes as weary hounds and the waves softly crashing sets a melancholic tone, evoking a sense of solitude in the natural world, while the night itself feels cold and distant.

The atmosphere conveys a deeper philosophical message about isolation, emphasizing the idea that humans are fundamentally alone, both in the vastness of nature and in their relationships with others. The night brings a sense of foreboding, reminding the characters, and readers alike, that comfort and connection are often elusive in life.