Garage Collection
The most powerful imagery in the narrative is the description of the art in the garage. The "Mark and Louise dolls" staring dumbly at Louise from the shelf, her mother's "starfish lampshade," and "clay bookends shaped like pink seahorses" are striking images that create a vivid mental picture of the cluttered garage. Additionally, the contrast between these positive images of her mother's art and the "oil portraits [her] mom had painted of the entire family that everyone had deemed too hideous to hang inside the house." This imagery highlights Louise's complicated feelings about her mother's artwork, which she both respects and finds grotesque.
Better Days
The opening of the novel describes Louise throwing herself into her mother's arms like she was a little kid again. This image conveys the idea of Louise feeling an immense sense of relief and comfort in reuniting with her parents after a long absence, as well as her need to be loved and supported by them. It also speaks to her strong emotional connection with them, which is further highlighted by their immediate efforts to support Louise in preparing for the birth of her baby. The imagery serves to evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and safety, contrasting sharply with Louise's current difficult and uncertain situation. By including this imagery, Hendrix emphasizes the importance of family ties and love amidst challenging circumstances.
Organ Presents: The Man Who Could Fly
At Harvard Square, the protagonist encounters two mysterious street performers with masks that erase their humanity, yet make them "look more than human". The masked performers are accompanied by a puppet theater featuring a marionette that appears to be able to fly, captivating the small crowd of onlookers. The imagery of the mask and the puppet suggests a feeling of surrealism and fantasy as if the protagonist has stepped into another world where anything can happen. This dreamlike atmosphere emphasizes his inner struggle and confusion over her future, conveying the idea that she is searching for something new, something different. The imagery also serves to highlight the power of imagination and creativity; while these street performers may seem strange and otherworldly, they inspire wonder and awe in those who watch them.
Pupkin's Rampage
Another imagery in the narrative is the description of the chaos that Pupkin has created. The vivid descriptions of eggs dripping from the ceiling, milk and orange juice puddling on the floor, and Mrs. Marsten sobbing with her son in her arms effectively paints a chaotic picture of destruction and despair. This imagery conveys the sense of hopelessness and powerlessness felt by Mark as he watches helplessly as his home is torn apart. It also serves to highlight the danger posed by Pupkin and his unchecked power, showing how much damage he can cause when left to his own devices. The fire which Mark starts in an attempt to put an end to Pupkin's rampage only further illustrates this point, as it shows how desperate he was in trying to stop him.
