Answer:
It is describing a setting.
The peaceful noises of the farm are the noises of animals as they are getting ready for bed.
Pastoral fields are fields in which farm animals are raised. When it says it is "burned by the setting sun" it means that the colors of the sunset are sort of reflecting off the grasses in the fields, making them look golden, as if they are on fire.
The English we speak today has roots from multiple different languages such as early French, German, Latin, and others. The meaning of certain words also change over time to adopt new meanings and uses. We speak a different English today than in earlier centuries because our language becomes more complex as we become more complex.
It's asking you if the Cambodians and the Mexicans in California exist lesser today than the Irish and Italians of Massachusetts long ago. I hope you could understand what I meant. :)
