In the novel, time emerges as a pivotal element shaping human life, influencing both personal and societal realms. The narrative is steeped in the symbolism of dates, seasons, ages, and the hours of the day, all contributing to the story’s unique atmosphere and its central conflict—a clash between two contrasting perceptions of time.

The first perspective embraces time as a cyclical force, characterized by an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This view is illustrated through the setting of Green Town, a place attuned to the rhythms of the seasons. Here, time is not merely endured but celebrated, with its passage marked by holidays, birthdays, and rituals of religious worship. Such customs underscore a harmonious acceptance of time's natural flow, suggesting a community that finds meaning and continuity in the rhythm of life.

Conversely, the autumn people, representing the second view, perceive time as a relentless force of destruction. The carnival, existing in a perpetual October, epitomizes this belief. Its static state, devoid of death and rebirth, underscores a futile resistance to the inevitable progression of time. Within this worldview, time is an adversary that must be resisted, fostering a sense of eternal stagnation.

Within this dichotomy, Mr. Halloway emerges as the voice of reason, acknowledging humanity's unique awareness of time and mortality. He argues that this awareness enables individuals to transcend self-centeredness by fostering connections with others who will continue after them. In contrast, the autumn people, by rejecting the consciousness of time, revert to a more primitive and predatory state of being.

Love and laughter emerge as potent antidotes against the autumn people, requiring a surrender of self-interest and embracing a community-oriented mindset. The carnival, thriving on isolation and self-absorption, preys on those ensnared by solitude, such as the lonely spinster Miss Foley and the orphaned Jim Nightshade. Their vulnerability underscores the danger of detachment and self-preoccupation, illustrating how isolation weakens defenses against the dark allure of the carnival.

Ray Bradbury masterfully crafts his narrative within the framework of a Gothic tale, a choice that allows him to embody his abstract ideas and thematic explorations. Central to this is the portrayal of an idyllic community disrupted by sinister forces, a hallmark of the Gothic tradition. The characters, simple yet profound, bear names and appearances reflecting their inner moral states, further enhancing the story's depth. Bradbury also employs the motif of supernatural terror and wisdom, epitomized by the library where Halloway, a central figure, works. This setting serves as a sanctuary of knowledge against the encroaching darkness.

In weaving his tale, Bradbury incorporates modern elements of suspense that elevate the Gothic backdrop. He introduces seemingly innocent or celebratory scenarios that mask hidden malevolence, creating a tension that permeates the narrative. The protagonists’ awareness of the lurking evil isolates them from the broader community, compelling them to evade not only the malevolent forces but also a society oblivious to the underlying threat. Through this, Bradbury melds ancient fears of demonic entities with contemporary anxieties of alienation, crafting a narrative that both terrifies and captivates, as it explores the dual nature of external and internal threats.