The red sky
The image of the red sky at morning is a key element of this text, as it is contained in the title. The red sky implies a sense of danger, as if something bad is going to happen. In the text this imagery foreshadows the consequences of World War II, and the death of Josh's father.
The dead horse
The horse corpse is part of Marcia's and Steenie's game. The description of the horse emphasizes Josh's disgust: "surrounded by a cloud of flies, giving off a visible green mist". This imagery presents the horse as rotting, which creates a feeling of revulsion. Later, Josh falls into the horse, saying "my hand went through his skin", which again emphasizes his disgust.
Life in Sagrado
The town of Sagrado is depicted as a rural ideal, untouched by the modern world and therefore unspoiled. Descriptions of nature and animals are common, depicting the place as being far removed from city life. There is a contrast created between the Arnold's former home in Alabama, and their home in Sagrado. Everything from the food to the people is entirely different and is described using detailed imagery which emphasizes this difference. Through imagery, we gain a full picture of this small town in New Mexico.
