The Imagery of the Birthmark (“Face”)
In regards to the birthmark the narrator says: “My birthmark not red but purple. Dark in my infancy and early childhood, fading somewhat as I got older, but never fading to a state of inconsequence, never ceasing to be the first thing people noticed about me, head on, never ceasing to shock those who had come at me from the left side.” The narrator paints the image of an eye-catching birthmark on the left hand side of the face that is highly perceptible. Considering that the title of the short story is “ Face”, the birthmark has a colossal impression on the narrator’s face. The birthmark is viewed as anomalous due to the astonishment it evokes in viewers.
The Imagery of the Narrator’s mother (“Face”)
The narrator recalls, “My mother did not wear lipstick, her brassieres were unassertive, her hair was done up in a tight crown of braids that emphasized her wide white forehead. Her clothes lagged behind the fashion, being somewhat shapeless and regal; she was the sort of woman you could imagine wearing a rope of fine pearls.” This description depicts the image of a guileless and traditionalist woman. The description is contrary to those of the ‘stunners.’ The narrator’s imagery of his mother is crucial in outlining the natural inconsistencies between his parents.
The Imagery of Marvin (“Wild Swans”)
Alice Munro writes, “Marvin had warts on her eyelids that looked like they were going to turn into sties but they didn’t, they went away .Maybe he had them removed.” The imagery of Marvin is included in the resolution of “Wild Swans”. Through the imagery, Alice Munro portrays Marvin’s appearance before and after the removal of the warts. Marvin’s ability to transform her looks by removing the warts inspires Rose to transform herself.
The Imagery of the Minister (“Wild Swans”)
Alice Munro writes, “He (the minister) was between fifty and sixty years old, Rose thought. He was short, and energetic looking, with square ruddy face and bright waves of gray hair combed straight up from his forehead.” In this passage, Alice Munro summarizes the minister’s forms. Thus, it becomes easy for the reader to visualize the minister’s exterior appearance from his height, facial features, and hair color. Furthermore, the minister’s age creates the image of a father.
