What is the meaning of "straining" here?

It's unclear if the lights have actually gone off or not, but the writer seems to be suggesting that the overhead lights are trying very hard, in a manner that an animate like a person or animal can, to unsuccessfully light a room.

'straining' means to exert a much more than normal force to accomplish something.

Or removing the liquid from something.

She stood by the sink, straining his sprouts.

That sounds painful.

Don't worry, they've already been boiled to buggery for ten minutes so they're past caring.

Thank you for your helpful reply! : )

It is clear that the lights are out 'The room went dark'.
But the immediate afterglow of the lights represents a struggle (straining process) for the lights to cling to their purpose (being lit/alive).
The writer is treating the lights as living entities clinging onto their last breath.

Give him ribbon then.

The room went dark; the overhead lights useless and straining and yellow against the storm clouds gathering outside.



I don't believe that a body can draw that as an absolute conclusion, Mark, though one can certainly make an argument for it. 'dark' doesn't have to mean 'pitch black dark'.




Is this a power outage or a power ebb and flow? I don't really know.

Again, I certainly am open to other conclusions. I do not hold anywhere near 100% certainty for my view.



Possibly.

I've just given him ribbon as you suggested.