The Housemaid’s Secret Imagery

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Apartment Décor

Millie asserts, "If I knew more about home décor, I might be able to pinpoint that the coffee table was hand-carved in the early twentieth century or that the bookcase with the glass doors came from, I don’t know, the French neoclassical revival period or something like that." This sentence portrays Millie's perception of the deluxe and antiquated nature of the furniture in the apartment. It highlights its historical and expensive nature through her imaginative speculation. The description begins with her admission of not being an expert in home décor. This lack of expertise does not hinder her imaginative thoughts regarding the furniture's origins. Thus, the text evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication within the apartment's décor.

Navigating Peril

The following passage describes the precariousness of the neighborhood and Millie's heightened sense of danger. She says, "As I walk the final block to my building, my sneakers squishing against some slush on the pavement, I get the sensation that there’s somebody behind me, following me." It captures the atmosphere of the setting without explicitly describing the appearance or specifics of the surroundings. The narrative emphasizes the looming threat of homelessness following the loss of her job without a reference from Amber Degraw. This creates a backdrop of financial instability, which sets the stage for Millie's vulnerability in a rough neighborhood. The tightened grip on the coat and the hastening pace further emphasize her urgency to reach safety.

Reflections of Idealized Future

The line, "I catch a glimpse of our reflection in a store window, and I can’t help but think we look good together as a couple," conveys a sense of visual imagery. It portrays a moment where Millie observes their reflection alongside her partner, Brock, in a store window. This provides a mental image of the couple's appearance suggesting her perception of their relationship. Therefore, it invites the reader to envision the couple's perceived harmony and compatibility. The subsequent description of a potential future—inviting a large number of guests to their wedding, settling in a suburban house with a white picket fence, and raising children—paints a vivid image of Millie's aspirations for their relationship.

Unexpected Encounters

The narrative captures a moment of tension as Millie faces an unexpected and displeased visit from Brock. Millie states, "My feet leave a trail of wet footprints behind as I cross the few yards to my door." This detail, albeit small, sets the scene for Millie's arrival at her home. The interaction between Millie and Brock unfolds with palpable tension. Brock's forceful demand to be let in conveys a sense of anticipation. Millie's inner thoughts upon disappointing Brock reveal her remorse and self-criticism. Her realization of being a neglectful girlfriend due to her preoccupation with personal troubles effectively amplifies the emotional weight of the situation.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.