Anatomical Heart Transformation
The imagery of the heart depicted in the anatomy book represents life and death. Maeve asserts, “One page showed a human heart, sketched in black, suspended in white space. Another image was in color: reds of all shades, and purple, and black, white plaque, blue blood pumping out one side, red blood flooding in the other. On the next page, the heart was sectioned. Halved, and then quartered.” The detailed descriptions of the whole heart contrast sharply with the subsequent imagery of the heart being quartered and sectioned. This imagery delves into the duality of life and death where a once vital organ becomes a mere object when it ceases to function. Moreover, the narrative connects this anatomical imagery to Maeve's realization and guilt regarding Mrs. Patel's death.
Harmonious Artistry
The imagery of Salix playing the violin captures the beauty and fluidity of her movements. Maeve asserts, “Salix played the violin with her whole body. Small sways and bows, shuffling her feet now and then, her eyes closing briefly and then opening to find me, still watching. The curve of her jaw, her slender fingers on the strings, the ruby pendant at her throat, one foot in front of the other, her strong calves, the spot where her tanned legs disappeared into her baggy shorts.” Salix's engagement with the music is depicted through her sways, bows, and the rhythm of her body. The imagery infuses the atmosphere with the sounds of music and the visual artistry of Salix's violin performance. It underscores the power of artistic expression and the appreciation of talent.
Unveiling Decay
The following imagery captures the reality in the aftermath of a person's passing. Maeve states, “The place still smelled of her. But it smelled of dusty furniture and musty books, too, and the cleanser that was used on the carpet where she died. Even though I was the only one there, it was a different kind of quiet.” This imagery of the now tarnished house reflects the emptiness in the absence of Mrs. Patel. The description of the dirt and grime paints a picture of neglect after her passing. It emphasizes the inevitability of change and decay in the face of mortality.
Artistic Order
Maeve observes, “Shelves of paint pots, jars of paintbrushes and gesso, racks of finished paintings and half-finished paintings. Claire’s workbench with the sewing machine at one end and a row of clear plastic drawers with bits of cloth all sorted by color. Since I’d been here last, Claire had reorganized the drawers to be a rainbow of colors.” This imagery of Claire's studio serves as a visual representation of order and intentionality. The meticulous arrangement of materials emphasizes the dedication to her craft. Furthermore, the description of the drawers as a rainbow of colors carries a deeper meaning related to unity, diversity, and acceptance.
