The Eagles and the Chickens
The metaphorical imagery of the eagles and the chickens was introduced by Dr. Hatch in the first book of the series, and it still persists in the dialogue of his students. They, the electric children, are the eagles soaring above the mere chickens of the world (the non-electric humans), free to use them in whatever way they please. This philosophical dichotomy of worth leads to these Glows abusing their power in a striking scene in the mall, where they destroy electronics, cause people pain, and shut down the power just for the fun of it.
The Viper
When explaining his philosophy to a man he is about to betray and execute, Hatch compares himself to a viper in a fable. The viper convinces a man to carry him across a river, promising that he won't bite him. When they've safely crossed, however, the viper bites the man anyway, saying, "Sorry, I'm a viper. It's in my nature." The image of this viper is an accurate one for Hatch; he betrays and murders people just because he likes to.
Electric Imagery
Unsurprisingly, imagery that involves lightning and other electrical subjects is a common theme in the novel, as most of the main characters have electric abilities. There is talk of electrical storms, the voice's code name is "Lightning Rod," and light imagery pervades the dialogue in such phrases as "her eyes lit up." There isn't as much wordplay in this vein as one might expect (or hope for), but the theme is present nonetheless.
The Prom
The scene where Michael takes Taylor on an impromptu prom date at the ranch, just the two of them eating dinner by candlelight in formal attire, provides a calm and contented image of life and love, functioning as the breath "in the eye of the storm," to appropriate a colloquialism that fits in with the theme of the novel. The rest of the novel is full of action and desperation, but the moment of peace that they find in this scene is an image that will last them a long time.
