Sight
The conditions of the escapees are described to depict the sense of sight to readers. The author writes, “Several thousand survived the march. At night, the families camped together at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory. Some of the Cherokees stayed in their detachments, sleeping under wagons. Others were in tents and lean-tos in the woods. Some kept a cover of leaves. Their hair was dull and mattered." Through this imagery, the author creates visual images in readers’ minds to help them see the actual happenings in the novel. For instance, readers easily comprehend the tough moments for the survivors through sensory imagery.
Hearing
The conversation between Maritole and her husband depicts hearing imagery to readers. The author writes, “'Maritole!' I heard my husband from the field. I sat on the cabin step helping the baby stand. ‘Maritole,’ Knobowtee called again. I started to get up but helping, but the baby wobbled at my knees.” The author invokes sound images in the minds of his readers. Besides creating imaginary images of Maritole and her husband in readers’ minds, they also closely follow the couple’s conversation.
Soldiers
The soldiers' mode of dress and behavior illustrate spectacle imagery. For instance, the narrator says that he saw white men when they came to trade. The narrator says, "I had seen white men when they came to trade. Sometimes they rode by the farm, not seeing our path. Now soldiers were in the clearing with their rifles and bayonets. I heard their quick words but didn't know what they said. They seemed invisible inside their dark clothes." The author tactically uses this imagery to create visible scenarios on how soldiers operate to help readers comprehend the text better.
Smell imagery
The narrator’s fears are expressed by smell imagery. The narrator says, “I smell the wind. I look into the creek and see the dawn ears on my head. I lift my head and step through the woods. My deer leaving are all of me you get.” This smell imagery shows readers the devastating conditions where the narrator is hiding. Therefore, the author finds this olfactory imagery significant in describing the character’s feelings and expectations.
