Final answer:
The theme of Linda Pastan's 'The Coming of Night' revolves around the introspective nature of night-time and the symbolism of transitioning from darkness to dawn as a metaphor for moving through challenges towards hope and new beginnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of The Coming of Night by Linda Pastan is the contemplation and introspection that occurs during the night-time, as well as the symbolic relationship between darkness and light, night and day. The selected excerpts focus on the transitional period from night to dawn and what this symbolizes for the authors. There are frequent contrasts between the despair of darkness and the hope of a new day. This evokes a universal resonance of night as a time for personal reflection, the calming presence of the natural world, and a metaphor for the human experience of working through difficulties towards a new beginning.
The poetry emphasizes the way the night influences our perceptions and emotions, with dark fostering reflection and introspection, often reflective of challenges or pain, while the approach of dawn brings promise and rejuvenation. Thus, night serves as more than just a backdrop for the characters' experiences; it also acts as a catalyst for psychological and emotional transitions.