Scary Minions
When Count Olaf invites the nine members of his theater troupe, the writing paints imagery of a bunch of strange and scary looking characters. Some of the words detail two women with bright white powder over their faces, giving them a ghostly appearance. A bald man in a long black robe having a very long nose and others are also described in a chill inducing manner. The focus is so much on their appearance being menacing that they are never given names. This imagery conveys their villainous nature to the reader.
First Impressions
When the Baudelaires meet Count Olaf, they are described to be seeing a very tall and very thing man. His dress is gray with many dark stains and a face that is unshaven. Furthermore, when the imagery of Count Olaf’s house is detailed we are described a house that is in shambles and ghastly. This constantly bad imagery surrounding Count Olaf in his first few appearances reveal his diabolic and insidious nature in the story.
Mysterious Narrator
Throughout this book we are drip fed information regarding the narrator, Lemony Snicket. The imagery surrounding him is that of a reclusive person who has dedicated his life to researching the Baudelaires, made apparent from the bundle of notes he has on the activities of the Baudelaire orphans. His room is described as containing a dusty accordion, which he uses to play a few sad songs, and a very old photograph of a person named Beatrice. This imagery of his room shrouds the character with a somber and mystery filled fog that clears as the story progresses.
Ray of Sunshine
Justice Strauss is someone who is shown to be incredibly kind and giving to the Baudelaire orphans. She even lets them peruse her library. The imagery of her house is the opposite of Count Olaf’s house. It is described as the prettiest house on the block, with bricks that had been cleaned well. An assortment of plants could also be seen through the wide open windows. This stark contrast between the houses' imagery is reflective of the nature of the owners. Unlike Count Olaf, Justice Strauss is wonderful and kind to the Baudelaires.
