Scent
In the narrative, one example of imagery is the smell of Elias's clothes and hair. He has been away for a while and his clothes are described as threadbare and smelling of smoke, like tobacco. However, Cordelia also perceives a sweet rot underneath. This imagery of smell conveys a sense of weariness and sadness that Elias has been through in his absence, and paints a picture of the emotional state of the situation. The smell gives us a glimpse into the exhaustion and sorrow that Elias might have experienced during his time away. The combination of smells, which are familiar to Cordelia, creates a powerful image that speaks to her emotional connection with her father and her complex feelings about his return.
Lady of Shalott
One imagery in the narration is the painting of the Lady of Shalott over the hearth. This imagery is used to illustrate the beauty of the study, and to hint at the romantic nature of the scene. The painting depicts a woman drifting in a boat, her long, flowing red hair trailing behind her. This imagery serves to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the painting is a representation of the Lady of Shalott from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem of the same name. In the poem, the Lady of Shalott is a cursed woman, who is forbidden from looking out of her window or leaving her tower, as it would mean certain death. Thus, it serves to evoke a sense of longing and sadness, as the painting hints at a story of unfulfilled love and tragedy.
Winter Wonderland
The imagery of the fairy-tale feel of the snow in the narrative is vivid and evocative. When Lucie and Jesse turn onto St. Bride's Lane, the cobbled streets are given a special atmosphere by the snow, which blankets them in a peaceful, magical beauty. The icicles hanging from the corners of the half-timbered houses and the fires glowing in the windows add to this feeling, creating a cozy, inviting scene. This imagery of a winter wonderland conjures up feelings of joy and nostalgia and brings to mind a classic fairytale setting. The imagery of the snow and the lights creates an idyllic atmosphere that contrasts with the more serious, dangerous aspects of the Shadowhunter world.
Departure
In the novel, the imagery of Cordelia and Matthew in the cozy scene of the plush velvet seat of the train evokes a sense of comfort and security. The description of the velvet seat as "plush" creates an image of warmth, luxury, and relaxation as the couple prepared for their journey to Paris. The idea of the train's whistle and the thump-thump of the wheels on the tracks further emphasizes the sense of departure and moving forward, as if the train itself is a symbol of adventure and new beginnings. Finally, the image of Magnus Bane standing at the side of the curb, resplendently attired in a pure white wool coat with a mink collar, contrasts with the cozy scene of the couple on the train, as it implies another kind of journey and adventure.
