Lonesomeness
Several descriptions are used to illustrate the protagonist's emotions, specifically her feelings of loneliness and longing for connection. Using imagery, the author creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and longing as the protagonist reminisces about missed opportunities, her past jobs and experiences, and her current state of isolation. The imagery of feeling like a "wrung-out old dishcloth", having an "all-beef diet" and "sitting directly in the glow of my phone" conveys a sense of malaise and desperation that is further enforced by mentions of "long, bad, lonely days". The imagery also serves to highlight the protagonist's attempts to cope with her loneliness through creative pursuits such as collaging. Her efforts are illustrated through descriptions of activities associated with creativity such as "cutting out images about [her] feelings" and wearing a nightgown that looks like a curtain. Additionally, her attempt to find solace in books is represented through references to reading books on stylish women's Instagrams and finding comfort in their long descriptive sentences.
Snake Moulting
The imagery of a "snake molting" is used to describe the process of applying plastic bags to her feet and waiting until the skin sloughs off. This image conveys the idea of shedding an old layer to make way for something new. The snake molting is a representation of the protagonist beginning a new phase in her life, as evidenced by her search for a new place to live. She is attempting to discard her old life and start anew, although this does not come easily as she discovers when she visits places that are too expensive or too unpleasant. There is a sense of frustration and disappointment conveyed by this imagery as it implies that her attempts at change are not always successful. This imagery serves to emphasize the protagonist's desire for transformation and her struggles with finding an appropriate space in which to do so.
Picture Perfect
While Maggie reminisces about her bad marriage as she compares herself to the rest of the women at the party. For example, the image of a "blonde swishing past" the narrator creates an air of mystery and delicacy around the woman as if she is somehow separate from the other guests at the event. She is described as "so beautiful it was hard to imagine her having any problems whatsoever," suggesting that even though she may not be directly involved with the conversations going on around her, she is still very influential in her way. The image of her passing by also conveys a sense of timelessness as if she has been present throughout all of the different phases of life–engagements, weddings, babies–but remains untouched and unaffected by them. This could be interpreted as a warning to the narrator that while she may focus on her own goals and aspirations now, she will always have to face these social milestones eventually.
Bassinet on a Dryer
One imagery in the narrative is the description of a bassinet on a dryer. This imagery is used to describe the rocking motion of the train carriage, suggesting a soothing and comforting atmosphere. This suggests that the narrator is feeling safe and secure during their journey as if being rocked by an invisible caregiver. The image also conveys a sense of nostalgia, as it brings to mind memories of childhood comfort and safety. Additionally, this imagery could be interpreted as symbolizing the passage of time, as it suggests that life moves in cycles-from childhood to adulthood and back again. Finally, this imagery may represent the narrator's feelings of loneliness and longing for connection, as she wishes she was home with her sibling on Christmas Eve.
