Meaning: The quote "All through the night, like the tumult of a river when it races between the cliffs of a canyon, in my sleep I could hear the steady roar of the passing army" by Richard Davis, a journalist, conveys a powerful and evocative imagery that captures the intensity and relentless nature of the passing army. The comparison of the army's movement to the tumultuous rush of a river between canyon cliffs creates a vivid and dynamic mental picture, drawing parallels between the natural force of a river and the formidable force of the army.

In this quote, the author uses a simile to liken the sound of the passing army to the tumult of a river. This comparison serves to emphasize the overwhelming and relentless nature of the army's movement, as well as the impact it has on the surroundings. The use of the word "tumult" conveys a sense of chaos and commotion, while the imagery of a river racing between cliffs evokes a feeling of power and inevitability. The author's choice of words and imagery effectively conveys the magnitude and forcefulness of the passing army.

Furthermore, the mention of the steady roar heard in the author's sleep adds a layer of personal experience to the quote. The fact that the author perceives the sound of the passing army even in their sleep suggests the profound impact it has on their consciousness. This detail adds a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the description, allowing the reader to empathize with the author's experience of the relentless presence of the passing army.

One possible interpretation of this quote is that it conveys the overwhelming and inescapable nature of conflict and war. The comparison to the tumult of a river suggests that the movement of the army is a natural and unstoppable force, much like the flow of a powerful river. The imagery of the canyon cliffs further emphasizes the sense of confinement and inevitability, as if the army's movement is constrained by the surrounding landscape. This portrayal of the passing army as an unstoppable and formidable force serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of war on both the physical environment and the human psyche.

The quote may also be interpreted as a reflection of the author's experience of war or conflict. The use of the first-person perspective, with the author describing the sound heard in their sleep, suggests a personal connection to the events described. This personal element adds a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance to the quote, inviting the reader to empathize with the author's experience of living in the presence of the passing army.

In conclusion, Richard Davis's quote captures the intensity and relentless nature of a passing army through evocative imagery and vivid language. The comparison to the tumult of a river and the mention of the steady roar heard in the author's sleep create a powerful and immersive depiction of the impact of the passing army. Whether interpreted as a portrayal of the overwhelming force of conflict or as a personal reflection on the experience of war, this quote effectively conveys the magnitude and significance of the passing army.