Images of Death
The images of death and decay have been created through the motif of time. The protagonist thinks that living for twenty-five years away from her family in Scotland has brought ruin to her family. Many members of her family have come to the brink of death especially her father. The tend of alcoholism has devastated her family. The south African culture and traditions have been demolished.
Images of Odyssey
There are images of Odyssey and Trojan war in the novel. The return of Odysseus’s from the Trojan war has been portrayed through Marcia Murray’s return from Scotland after two and a half decade. The destruction of his society and Marcia’s society also convey the similar images.
Images of Aloofness
The images of loneliness and detachment have been conveyed through most of the characters. Marcia feels lonely and detached despite of living among her family. She feels that she no longer belongs to that society. Her father also feels aloof and doesn’t share anything with anyone for years.
