Mass Rally
The imagery in the narration that stands out the most is the comparison of the gymnasium full of dead bodies to a convention or mass rally. This comparison is a powerful one, as it paints a vivid image of the sadness and despair felt in the gymnasium, while also highlighting the helplessness of the situation. The people in the gymnasium are all unable to do anything but stand there, and their only action is the production of a putrid smell. The use of this imagery helps to convey the emptiness and hopelessness of the situation and emphasizes the tragedy of the events that have taken place. The powerful image helps to bring to life the despair and sorrow of this moment in the story.
Ball of Fire
Another imagery used is that of a ball of fire lodged in the narrator's solar plexus. This description is used to convey the intense emotion experienced by the narrator when he recalls the image of Jeong-dae being beaten by the authorities. The fire illustrates the intensity of the narrator's feelings of anger and helplessness. It also serves to highlight how deeply he is affected by Jeong-dae's plight, expressing how strongly they are connected to him. The imagery of fire also draws a parallel to the brutality of the situation, mirroring the violence and injustice of what has occurred. The ball of fire lodged in the narrator's solar plexus effectively conveys the narrator's intense emotions.
Burnt Manuscript
The imagery of the manuscript pages being "reduced to little more than a lump of coal" creates an intense image of its destruction. The manuscript burning in a fire and being reduced to a pile of ash and coal illustrates the intensity of the censoring process and the sense of loss and despair felt by the protagonist. The bleak image highlights the futility and despair reflecting the reality of the situation. Also, there is a sense of inevitability in the manuscript being reduced to nothing, despite all the hard work that went into it. The image of the manuscript as coal speaks to the reader on an emotional level, conveying the hopelessness of the characters.
Court Room
This imagery of the prisoners in their blue prison uniforms is used to illustrate the oppressive and bleak situation in the court. It creates a vivid image of the prisoners in their cold, uncomfortable uniforms, a stark contrast to their clothes which are likely to be more comfortable and familiar to them. It also emphasizes the power imbalance between the prisoners and the soldiers, who have their hands on their guns ready to shoot anyone who makes a sound. The uniforms, with the smell of detergent, further serve to remind the prisoners of their lack of freedom and their status as prisoners. The description also contrasts with the summer season outside, a reminder of the beauty and freedom of the world outside the court which the prisoners can only dream of.
