This description serves two principal functions. Firstly, it offers a glimmer of light and hope against the previously dark backdrop. Secondly, the reference to pins could allow the stars to be metaphorically interpreted as ideas for writing, which the figure has pinned on a board. This interpretation is supported by the fact the night is described as "inky," which allows the entire sequence to be an extended metaphor for the writing process; there is lots of writing and, within it, some shining moments of inspiration.