The Drowned Man
The most elaborate imagery in the story appears when the narrator is describing the drowned man through the perspective of the villagers. Esteban is exceptionally large in stature, with a tall and muscular physique and massive hands. The sheer size of the drowned man inspires the villagers to imagine an entire life for him – one of crouching under doorways and sitting gingerly in small chairs. This imagery contributes to the story's sense of magical realism, in which some details are more surreal than real.
The Village
The village is initially described as a small, arid, and desolate place. The narrator compares it to a "desert," and as the villagers carry Esteban to the cliffs, they become increasingly aware of their stark and bleak surroundings (3). However, at the end of the story, the villagers build larger houses, paint their homes vibrant colors, and plant flowers all along the cliffs, showcasing the transformation that the figure of Esteban spurred.
