"On the steps is a machine-gun ready for action. The square is empty; only the streets that lead into it are jammed with people. It would be madness to go farther - the machine-gun is covering the square"

This quote paints a brilliant image of a tense and hazardous scenario. The machine-gun on the actions is a clear sign of the risk that lies ahead. The square is empty, but the streets leading into it are filled with people, suggesting that they know the danger and are unwilling to risk going into the square. The machine-gun is a clear deterrent, and it is clear that anyone who tries to get in the square would be taking a substantial danger. The quote indicates that it would be absurd to attempt to get in the square, as the machine-gun is ready to fire at anybody who does. This quote communicates the sense of fear and threat that exists in the circumstance, and it is clear that the machine-gun is an effective symbol of the power of the authorities.