The passage conveys the harsh and isolating nature of the Arctic, exploring themes of isolation, environmental challenges, and the psychological toll of constant threat and darkness.
The theme of the passage appears to revolve around the harsh and isolating nature of the Arctic environment, as well as the psychological and emotional toll it takes on the individuals navigating it. The description of the men launching into the darkness, the cries in the cold that are "fiercely sad," and the onset of the Arctic night conveys a sense of desolation and hardship. The brief interlude of daylight further underscores the challenging conditions of the northern world.
The repeated hunting-cries drawing closer in the darkness create an atmosphere of anxiety and fear among the men and their dogs. The wish expressed by Bill for the hunters to "strike game somewheres, an' go away an' leave us alone" suggests a longing for relief from the relentless and unnerving presence of the unseen hunters.
The passage explores themes of isolation, the harshness of the Arctic environment, and the psychological impact of constant threat and darkness. It doesn't particularly emphasize themes like the preference for being loved over feared, the relationship between size and strength, the advantages of being in the lead, or the nuanced nature of leadership and respect.