the great hollow of earth ...

[Caorthine]

What does the word hollow refer to in the excerpt below?


In the valley below not a house was visible; it seemed as if Charity Royall and young Harney were the only living beings in the great hollow of earth and sky.


Is all this just a poetic way of saying the only living beings in the world?

[Casiopea]

hollow of earth (i.e., ground) and sky describes the the concave shape of the valley, from ground to sky. That not a single house was visible from where the two stood looking down on the valley made it appear that the two were the only living beings in that area, not in the world.

[Caorthine]

Ah, got it. Thank you very much Casiopeia.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.