Rogarou
One particular example of imagery is the description of the creature that appears at the window of Heiser's room. The creature has a "furry face, matted with hair and wild with debris and spit." Its eyes are "overly bright" and its snout ends in a "large nose that was the colour and texture of sand." This description immediately creates a sense of unease, as the creature appears wild and untamed, with its matted fur and debris-covered face. Additionally, the creature's "long snout" and "heavy brow" contribute to the feeling of nervousness, as the creature appears to be an otherworldly being. Furthermore, the creature's broken front tooth further adds to its wild and feral appearance, as well as its menacing growl. The narrator also uses vivid imagery to describe the creature's movements. The creature walks on its hind legs, "shoulders rounded," with a silver belt buckle glinting at its waist. This detail adds to the sense of the creature being something other than just an animal, as it has a belt buckle and appears to be walking in a human-like manner.
Palm of the Valley
One imagery in the passage is the description of the tent in the valley, illuminated by the generator-fed spotlights and surrounded by vehicles from the reserve. The tent is described as glowing with Christmas lights strung around the door and seams. The description creates a sense of festiveness, but also a feeling of uncertainty as the passenger door on one of the vehicles is left open and the battery is draining. The imagery of sage being lit and used for prayer creates a sense of ritual and spirituality. The act of praying over the sage smoke is described in detail, with the flames "undressing" each stem of the sage to thick smoke, which is then pushed over the face and head. This creates a sense of the protagonist seeking protection or guidance in the unknown. The description of the tent, the lighting, and the sage serve to create a contrasting atmosphere of celebration and uncertainty, ritual, and protection.
Divine Intervention
Cecile is looking out at Lord's Lake and reflecting on how she has spent too long pretending to be small and obedient. As she takes off her boots and socks and digs her toes into the cold sand to soothe the cuts on her feet, she realizes that she can use her newfound strength to deliver the Reverend unto temptation. To do this, she must remain blameless, and she prays to God that He will show her the way. As she opens her eyes after her prayer, the imagery of the sky being "torn open by blue light" and the wind "rushing to fill the gap" is a powerful one that speaks to the strength and power of Cecile's faith in God. The accompanying "clap of thunder" that "rippled the lake" further accentuates the power of her prayer and her belief that God has heard her and will show her the way forward. This imagery is symbolic of the power of Cecile's faith and her belief that God is with her at this moment and will guide her in the future.
Zeus in the Woods
The imagery of Zeus walking along the road with the “possession of a man about to deal with impertinent employees who’d slept late too often and forgot to clean the grease trap” sets the tone of the story and creates a sense of purpose and determination in Zeus. The description of “clusters of trees and the reflective yellow signs where side roads splintered off like skin tags” creates a vivid image of the landscape and helps the reader to feel as if they are traveling along with Zeus. Moreover, the imagery of “the screech of a rusted swing set, like the one he knew sat at the back of his yard” creates a sense of familiarity and home amidst the unfamiliarity and isolation of his current situation. Finally, the description of Zeus smoothing the dirt into a tablet to write his mother's name, only to forget it again, brings a sense of sadness and poignancy to the story.
