Images of Violence
The images of violence have been demonstrated through the description of Marina's family. Her father used to commit violence upon her mother. Marina's scarred face was also a result of such violence. Her father was attacking her mother with acid and Marina came in front of him. She saved her mother but the she couldn't save herself. She remained in a traumatic state after this incident and she suffered in silence in a boarding school. She was just fourteen but she faced the horrible side of life. Although she was innocent like her class fellows but her experiences made her an introvert observer.
Images of Loneliness
Marina spends her time in boarding school without talking to anyone. She remained alone and didn't make any friend. The images of loneliness are evident in the description of Marina's life. She keeps everything inside her and doesn't play with others. Her father also stopped visiting her so she was suffering all alone in her traumatic phase. She was mute but her diary spoke for her.
Imagery of Change
The author has portrayed the imagery of change in the novel as Marina changes from a silent isolated person to a friendly human being. Marina was mute when she comes to the boarding school and she was overwhelmed with the trauma of acid attack. Her English teacher asks to keep the diary and the diary brings a change in her life. In the beginning, she was reluctant to share anything and she was afraid of getting close to others but gradually she shares her secrets in her diary. She also makes friends and shows concern for others. She becomes close to Ann and says, “It was good to see her again.” Apart from getting close to her class fellows, she also changes her relationship with her father. Her resentment changes into love for her father.
Imagery of Kindness
The imagery of kindness is also prevalent in the book as it has been depicted through Marina's teacher. Mr. Lindell was an English teacher but he helps her student in coping with her fears. He gives a medium to express herself. It was because of Mr. Lindell that Marina regains her strength and the courage to make relationships. Marina's class fellows also show kindness towards her. Despite of her scared face, they make her feel happy and shows a friendly attitude. They try to indulge her in playing with them and take care of Marina.
Imagery of Contrasting Families
Marina belongs to a broken family where her father used to abuse her mother and she resents her father. It was because of her family that Marina couldn't make friends or became close to others. There are contrasting images of families as Mr. Lindell's family is just the opposite of Marina's family. After living at his home Marina realizes that “there such a kind and loving family, I can hardly believe it.” she understands that all families are not same abd she feels an urge to go back to her home and to live with her family.
