The Imagery of Upheavals - “An Ambassador”
Towles writes, “he (the count) better than most, it was in September of 1905 that the members of the Delegation had signed the Treaty of Portsmouth to end the Russo-Japanese war. In the Seventeen years since the making of that peace- hardly a generation-Russia had suffered a world war, a civil war, two families, and the so-called Red Terror. In short, it had been through an era of upheaval that had spared none. Whether one’s leanings were left or right, Red or White, whether one's personal circumstances had changed for the better or changed for the worse, surely at long last it was time to drink to the health of the nation." The series of upheavals, which are pertinent historical allusions, ruin peace to the extent that people have hardly time to drink. Accordingly, peace and upheavals are mutually exclusive occurrences. The termination of upheavals bids the Count and his staff an opportune opening to drink calmly.
The Imagery “of the Baker’s Mastery” - “An Anglican Ashore”
Towles describes, “In an instant, his senses would be rewarded by the indisputable evidence of the baker’s master. Drifting in the air would be the gentle aroma of freshly baked pretzels, sweet rolls, and loaves of bread so unparalleled they were delivered daily to the Hermitage by the train-while arranged in perfect rows behind the glass of the front case would be cakes topped in frostings as varied in color as the tulips of Amsterdam.” The imagery of the baked goods plus the aroma are an affirmation of the baker’s dexterity in cooking. Based on the description, the foods are appetizing and befitting for the Count. Their timely delivery guarantees that they will be fresh upon their arrival.
