Red
Brant brings to life the gruesome death of the 25 year old red-headed man who was riding Mary into Erwin. The townspeople describe the cracking of the young man's skull and the imagery evokes a stomach turning reaction.
Mary's Death
Mary's death is described in such a way that one can't believe how horribly wrong this has all gone. From her being chained to the railroad to her leg breaking and the horror of her crashing down, the imagery created is haunting and makes one feel as if they need to avert their eyes from the page as they read.
Muddy
The Muddy Townsperson is seen throughout the play and it is only at the end do we understand that she represents the shame of the town. The imagery of a filth caked upon the people of Erwin that cannot be removed.
Blind Leading the Blind
The Trainer leads Mary to the railroad tracks along with the other smaller elephants in order to make her believe she is just walking as part of the show. The imagery of the other elephants being led away from Mary who is now chained to the railroad tracks elicits the feelings of fear, confusion and distress.
