Learned men
Shadow and Low Key distinguish themselves from the other inmates because of their extensive knowledge and culture. When Shadow mentions a quote from Herodotus’ Histories, the other inmates have no idea about they are talking about. Instead of making the connection with the ancient Greek writer, they mention Greek people they used to know and Greek women they used to like. The image portrayed through this scene is that of a group of people illiterate, not interested in scientific matters and pining only after psychical pleasures. While Shadow and Low Key are also in prison, they have a more noble character and are more inclined towards learning new things and bettering themselves.
Puppy
When Laura talks with Shadow, she often calls him Puppy as a pet name and as a way to calm him down and assure him that everything will be alright. The image of Shadow as a Puppy is appropriate because it hints that despite his cold and threatening exterior, Shadow is actually a kind and loyal man underneath the mask he puts out for the others to see.
Looking for love
After landing, Shadow drives for a few hours before stopping at a bar to eat. While there, the song ‘’Walkin’ After Midnight’’ plays while Shadow eats his food. Shadow remained apparently unaffected by the news of Laura’s death and he chose not to express his grief for the loss of the love of his life. The scene when Shadow is in a bar and he listens to the sad song reveals however that Shadow was affected by Laura’s loos and he is portrayed in that scene as being lost without knowing that Laura will be there to guide him.
Consumed by desire
In the second chapter, Bilquis meets with a man inside a room and the man pays to have sex with Bilquis. During sex, the man opens his eyes to see his body disappear partially into Bilquis’s body and then he eventually disappears completely. What the image suggests here is that just as the man was devoured completely by Bilquis, other men let themselves be controlled completely by their carnal desires that eventually end up bringing them death. The grotesque image invoked here has the purpose of showing just how dangerous giving in to one’s desires can be.
