Sensory Opulence
The narrator depicts the difference between the opulent offices of Scully & Pershing in various cities and the more traditional setting of the Rome office. He narrates, "Scully & Pershing was known for its lavish offices wherever it ventured. Now in thirty-one cities on five continents and counting, because for Scully the numbers were important, it leased prime space in the most prestigious addresses, usually taller and newer towers designed by the trendiest of architects. It sent in its team of decorators who filled each suite with art, fabrics, furnishings, and lighting indigenous to the locale." This conveys a sense of wealth and prestige as the offices are meticulously designed to impress clients. The firm's commitment to creating this image portrays the need to maintain a high-status reputation in the competitive legal world.
Nightmare Awakening
The narrator states, "He was fast asleep and had no idea of the time when he awoke in the darkness and grabbed the sheets because the bed was spinning. The sheets were soaked with water or sweat or something, he couldn’t tell in the first few awful seconds when he tried to sit up and breathe." This excerpt describes the moment when Mitch wakes up in the middle of the night suffering from a severe bout of food poisoning. The powerful imagery immerses the reader in his disorienting experience. It sets the stage for a series of events where he struggles to regain control of his body.
Frail Elegance
Luca's battle with cancer plays a significant role in the plot as his condition affects his ability to respond to the crisis. The narrator asserts, "Luca was on the veranda, in the shade and on the phone. He looked even thinner, but he was put-together as always. His light gray tailored suit hung loose." These descriptions of his appearance indicate the impact of the illness on his physical state. However, he maintains his outward appearance of composure despite the underlying fragility. It alludes to his once-commanding presence and authoritative stature.
Final Moment
Giovanna is held in captivity and subjected to harsh conditions including solitary confinement. The narrator says, "Giovanna’s heart was pounding and she could barely breathe. When they put a noose around her neck and yanked it tight, she almost fainted. Close by a man was praying. Another one was crying." The imagery in this excerpt expresses the intense fear, tension, and impending doom that Giovanna faces. The image of a noose being placed around her neck denotes the imminent threat to her life. Thus, it illustrates the raw emotions of someone facing the prospect of death.
