Imagery of Cambridge
The novel includes imagery of a school which was affiliated with male privilege in Virginia Woolf's mind. In particular, we see how the environment feels at night, as a lyrical section includes observations about the architecture and atmosphere of the moment.
University Dormitory
Imagery pertaining to the dorm in which Jacob lives shows the nature of academic excitement that takes hold of the main characters while at Cambridge. Through this, we feel an instant in Jacob's life as it presents itself in the midst of the fervor spatially around him; we see friends answer each others' academic questions and conceive of the physical setting.
Imagery of Greece
Throughout Jacob's Room, young British intellectuals dream of the land which produced the questions and literature to which they relate. Upon graduation and incorporation to the everyday world, Jacob becomes able to travel to Greece. The explication of elements of this realm allows the background plot to develop as the reader becomes entranced by what the story has primed us to notice.
Imagery of Versailles
In a few short sections, we see the beauty of France; just after a scene developing the imagery of a Versailles fountain using actions and noises of excitement, Jinny tells Jacob that Ted is different. The backdrop of Versailles, with a full-fledged array of movement both nearby and far away, sets up the calm back-alley cafe scene which follows. Woolf's decision to stick to impersonal detail that still involves others, just not the main characters, engenders the spirit of visitation.
