Duomo di Napoli
In a scene where Virgil visits the Duomo di Napoli, the imagery evokes awe and reverence. Anthony's description of the cathedral’s “tremendous scale” creates an overwhelming physical presence. She carefully details the architectural elements, from the "cold smell of limestone" to the "intricate frescoes." The bronze statues and the light filtering through the apse give an ethereal divine atmosphere, which draws attention to a sculpture of Mary being assumed into heaven. This visual metaphor for purity and salvation contrasts with Virgil’s internal feeling of being out of place. The light, sculpture, and physical vastness highlight Virgil’s sense of alienation and his struggle with authenticity. In that, it frames his crisis of identity within this grand and sacred setting.
The Picnic at Del Monte Beach
Virgil imagines a perfect weekend at Del Monte Beach with a fantasy romantic partner, Imogene. The imagery captures the carefree bliss of a sunny California beach day. Virgil envisions surfers "cresting, popping up on their heels, disappearing into great barrels of white water." This description offers a cinematic portrayal of nature's power and human grace. The image of the “broad, flat sand” and “sun-dunked days” evokes nostalgia and a longing for freedom. However, Virgil's idealized vision is steeped in escapism, contrasting his real life's complexity. The imagery emphasizes an unattainable serenity showing how Virgil longs to leave behind the burdens of his actual life.
The Drowning Pool
Kathleen’s extended stay in the pool is marked by haunting imagery. The "pale and puffy" skin and her swollen body floating like "a corpse" create a disturbing picture. Moreover, the pool, typically associated with recreation and relaxation, becomes a foreboding space where her body begins to mimic death. This imagery reflects Kathleen's detachment from her life and family. It represents her sinking marriage and the emotional drowning she experiences. The water's stasis and the grotesque image of her body heighten the surreal and unsettling mood.
Mount Hope Bridge
Virgil’s crossing of the Mount Hope Bridge presents imagery rich in symbolism. As he drives across this “longest suspension bridge in New England,” the swooping suspension cables and towering structures create an image of a journey or a passage. It is not just across water but also symbolically towards a new phase of life. The bridge’s towering presence induces feelings of grandeur and isolation as Virgil is caught between two worlds—his past in Monterey and his future in Delaware. The bridge acts as a visual metaphor for transition and the tenuous connections between his fragmented identities.
