Facing down the tank
When Meridian faces down the tank in Chicokema, the brutality of racism is conveyed through stark imagery. A white crowd and a black crowd develop on opposite sides of the street, representing the strict division of races that characterizes the Southern town. The description of the looming white tank emphasizes the excessive violence of racial hatred—why would such a small town need this army vehicle? Meridian’s protest is made more dramatic and striking by the division of the town and the presence of many armed policemen for such a trivial event as a traveling circus wagon.
Racist brutality
Walker’s depictions of the violence that civil rights protesters experienced in Atlanta is particularly striking and poignant. She uses specific images of innocence to convey the senseless brutality that black men and women experienced: a young child is chased by a grown man, armed with an ax; defenseless, elderly women are thrown into the street. Anne’s crying in jail is another deeply affecting image: although Anne is merely a child who came to the protest out of a vague general interest, she ends up in a jail cell for the night, screaming and crying. The description of the unfair treatment of individuals, as well as the even more brutal treatment of student protesters, grimly emphasizes the extent of the violence that peaceful protesters had to endure.
Truman and Meridian's conversation
When Truman first visits Meridian, their conversation is strikingly described with the imagery of color. Meridian rocks in a “yellow” chair, reminiscent of Southern calm. The color-dominated imagery of race pervades their conversation, with discussion of black and white men and women. Meridian’s eyes are brown, with “petal-shaped flecks” of black. The detailed images of specific colors makes this conversation vivid and provides a backdrop of beautiful description for the intense, bitter conversation that the two have.
"B.B., With Sword"
The stained glass window in the church that Meridian visits is described through imagery of black power and beauty. Meridian has always enjoyed looking at stained glass windows because of the way they reflect light in beautiful ways. The man depicted in the stained glass—“B.B., With Sword”—is not only beautiful, but armed and dangerous as well; he is tall and broad-shouldered, and his face is thrown back. Vivid, colorful description is used to enumerate the many colors that make up the window. The menacing dripping blood on the sword contrasts with the buttons like “butterscotch kisses” that run along its long edge. Ephemeral language, such as the simile of the “glowing diamonds,” is compared to symbols of strength, such as dripping sweat.
