The resort
The idyllic and vivid descriptions of the resort on Saint X island, where the Thomas family vacation takes place, are filled with sensory imagery. The white sands, blue waters, and vivid sunsets work together to create an atmosphere of paradise. However, this paradise is deceptive, as it's the setting of the mysterious tragedy. It also underscores the socioeconomic and racial disparities between the tourists and the locals, exposing the underlying tensions.
The color white
The novel makes use of white imagery. Throughout the book, the resort has white uniforms, buildings, and white linens. This imagery could signify cleanliness, innocence, and luxury, but also the whitewashing or sterilization of the island's native culture to appease the resort's guests. It's a potent visual metaphor for the colonialist undertones in the novel.
Alison's scar
Alison's scar is another powerful imagery that appears throughout the novel. It's not just a physical mark but represents her complex character. It signifies her past, rebellion, vulnerability, and even mortality. The scar becomes a part of her identity, visible yet deeply personal.
The island
Descriptions of the less glamorous parts of the island, such as the smell of garbage, the sewage, and the disorder, counter the paradise imagery. These descriptions serve as a metaphor for the darker, unpleasant truths beneath the surface, literally on the island and figuratively in the characters' lives.
Alison's possessions
The sad, downbeat imagery associated with Alison's left-behind possessions (like her diary) is a tangible connection to her life and a clue to her death. These items become significant in the process of grieving and seeking answers. They symbolize her presence, voice, and the enigma she has left behind.
