The Pressure of Water (Tactile Imagery)
While describing Miles's caution around the turbulent ocean and his awareness of invisible currents, Parrett writes that "Miles had only been down once, but that was enough. He’d been scared of the darkness and of the kelp wrapping around his legs. He’d been scared of the heavy feeling in his chest. And it made his head buzz like crazy, the pressure. The weight of all that water." In this example of tactile imagery, Parrett evokes the physical feeling of weight and pressure on Miles's body when he was submerged deep underwater.
Hot Chips and Gravy (Olfactory Imagery)
In a scene where Joe comes to pick up Miles after work, Miles gets in Joe's van and can immediately smell the hot chips (fries) and gravy Joe has bought for him. In this example of olfactory imagery, Parrett immerses the reader in Miles's perspective and articulates his hunger by showing how he focuses on the comforting smell of warm food after a long day of work.
Fish Turning Bright White (Visual Imagery)
After going fishing with George, Harry, who doesn't like to eat fish, stands by while George cooks the fish. First enticed by the surprisingly pleasant scent of the cooking fish, Harry watches "in amazement as something that had been so ugly, the colour of mud, turned bright white as it cooked." In this example of visual imagery, Parrett immerses the reader in Harry's childish perspective, showing how the process of a fish changing color as it cooks can appear like magic to a child.
Firm and Sweet Flesh (Gustatory Imagery)
Even though Harry had been concerned about being made to eat the fish he and George reeled in, Parrett writes that "the flesh was firm and sweet and Harry had never tasted anything so delicious." In this example of gustatory imagery, Parrett conveys how Harry's anxiety around eating something unfamiliar is soothed by the surprisingly delicious taste and texture of the pan-fried fish.
