What effect do the words "perhaps someone coughed, or the sound of a car horn, or a curse from the streets came in" create in contrast to the church setting?

The choice emphasizes the hushed silence typically found in a church setting by contrasting it with the disruptive sounds of the outside world. In sacred spaces like churches, silence is often considered a moment for reflection, reverence, and spiritual focus. When the words "perhaps someone coughed, or the sound of a car horn, or a curse from the streets came in" are introduced, they serve to highlight how these commonplace disturbances intrude upon the otherwise quiet and solemn atmosphere of the church. This juxtaposition creates a vivid image of the peacefulness that contrasts sharply with the noise and chaos associated with urban life, thereby reinforcing the serene nature of the church environment. Such contrasts often prompt readers to consider the relationship between the sacred and the secular.