The Imagery of the baby’s dress - “Vengeful Creditor”
Achebe reveals, “Mrs. Emenike rushed out to the line and brought down the blue dress and the white vest both heavily stained red!” Clearly, a great deal of ink must have dribbled on the cloth for it to convert from blue to red. Maybe, Veronica wanted to make certify that her strategy to eradicate the baby would materialize. The redness mirrors Veronica’s zealous longing for education.
The Imagery of Mrs. Emenike Lashing Veronica - “Vengeful Creditor”
Achebe expounds, “She seized Vero and beat her in a mad frenzy with both hands. Then she got a whip and broke it all on her until her face and arms ran with blood.” Mrs. Emenike’s agitation indicates that she was tremendously infuriated by Veronica’s act. Mrs. Emenike subjects Veronica to a corporal punishment to castigate for her trying to eradicate Goddy. The intensity of the corporal punishment connotes Mrs. Emenike’s bitterness. As a social worker, she should have tried to establish the psychological inspiration for Mary’s deed before unleashing the retribution.
The Imagery of Gardens - “Dead Men’s Path”
he school boasts of superb gardens due to Nancy’s input. Achebe expounds, “ Nancy's dream gardens came to life with the coming of the rains, and blossomed. Beautiful hibiscus and allamanda hedges in brilliant red and yellow marked out the carefully tended school compound from the rank neighbourhood bushes.” The gardens are displays of Nancy’s dreams. She had envisioned the gardens before she arrived at the school. The mellowness of the gardens indicates that she was resolute to transform the school into a heavenly locale.
