The Lamp At Noon Sinclair Ross

In the short story "The Lamp at Noon" by Sinclair Ross, the theme of how weather affects mood is explored, highlighting the psychological impact of environmental factors on human emotions. The story portrays the isolation and despair of a couple, Ellen and Paul, as they struggle to survive a devastating dust storm on their farm, which leads to heightened tensions and emotional distress. Sinclair Ross uses the harsh and unforgiving weather to symbolize the couple's inner turmoil and the destructive effects of human isolation and environmental degradation on the human psyche. Ultimately, the story suggests that environmental factors such as weather have a profound impact on human emotions, and that this impact can be both physical and psychological,

As the storm subsides, Ellen and Paul are left with a sense of emptiness and regret, as they realize the extent of the damage caused by the storm. As described here, "The silence was worse than the storm, for in it they could hear the ruin they had made" (87).

To continue, the wind serves as a motif in the narrative as it is frequently mentioned and is crucial to the plot. It causes separation between Ellen and Paul, making it hard for them to communicate and connect. Not only because of the interrupting noise, but because it makes them unable to see each other unless they are close. It also makes it hard for them to get to each other, as Paul is working and the wind keeps Ellen confined in the house separated from him. This sense of separation can cause a feeling of distance which is also unhealthy to a

The lamp is a symbol of both hope and hopelessness. It is a challenge to the dust storm, but the very fact that she has to light it proves how desolate their life is. As the story progresses, the lamp's light grows weaker and weaker, mirroring the characters' own feelings of hopelessness as well. During the constant arguing between the couple, Paul always came to look at the lamp, “ he sat staring at the lamp without answering, his mouth sullen.” One could say the lamp serves as a form of tranquility. “He sat still, his eyes fixed on the yellow lamp flame, and seeming to know how her words had hurt him.” While he glimpses at the lamp it seems that he comes into a state of reflection. To further continue on with the theme of hope as Paul enters the stable he always had his lamp on. “It was easier with the lantern lit,” he thinks. Meaning that he always had a sense of hope remaining. Whereas Ellen, on the other hand, kept the lamp lit the entire time she was at the house but when she fled the house, “the lamp was blown out.” Thus indicating her feeling of lingering hope has dimmed along with the