Handsome doctor
The author uses sight imagery to describe Cullen's physical appearance when dressed in his hospital wear. The author writes, "By 4:40 p.m., Charles Cullen was in his car, shaved, gelled, and dressed in his whites – white top and bottom with a soft yellow cardigan and a stethoscope draped across his neck, such that somebody might guess the handsome young man was a hospital professional, possibly even a doctor, despite his baby-blue Ford Escort station wagon, ten years old and freckled with dust." Cullen's physical appearance is deceiving because he is not a professional, as depicted in the imagery. The reader later realizes Cullen is a murderer because he kills over three patients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. One of the tactics used by Cullen is overdosing on his patients to kill them silently. However, the author uses this imagery to show readers that it is hard to suspect Cullen is a murderer.
Unkept house
Adrianne and Cullen need a house; the only way they can afford one is through a mortgage. However, the house they purchase is described using sensory imagery to show readers its current condition. The author writes. "The house was cramped and dark and in need of paint." However, despite the poor condition of the house and its location, the price was within their reach, and they decided to do the necessary renovations before moving in.
The marriage between Adrianne and Cullen
The author paints a picture of the tribulations in the marriage between Cullen and Adrianne to show readers why it crumbled in no time. At first, the marriage is depicted as a whirlwind of good things. Later, Cullen gets busy with his work and rarely spends his time at home. When Adrianne gives birth to her daughter, Cullen shifts his attention from Adrianne to the daughter. A few days later, Cullen starts only attending to his dog, but this does not last for long because he also loses interest in the dog. Cullen becomes abusive to his daughter and the dog leaving Adrianne wondering. Surprisingly, Cullen treats his wife professionally like one of his patients. Later in life, Adrianne discovers her husband is a murderer, and she decides to break up with him.
