Clean house imagery
Ham uses imagery to describe how Tilly looked after her mother, tidying the house for her:
"Tilly Dunnage had maintained her industrious battle until the house was scrubbed and shiny and the cupboards bare, all the tinned food eaten, and now Molly sat in the dappled sunlight at the end of the veranda in her wheelchair, the wisteria behind her just beginning to bud."
Ham uses imagery such as "scrubbed" and "shiny," in order to emphasize how clean the house is after Tilly has cleaned it. Imagery is also used to describe Molly's contentment as she sits out in the "dappled sunlight."
Sympathetic imagery
Ham uses imagery to describe the encounter between Tilly Dunnage and Irma Almanac, writing:
"Tilly placed an apologetic hand, lighter than pollen, on Mrs. Almanac's cold, stony shoulder."
By using imagery, Ham emphasizes the emotional aspects of this conversation, as it is implied Irma was domestically abused by her husband. Tilly's "apologetic hand," which is "lighter than pollen," emphasizes her sympathy towards Irma.
Tilly's dress
Imagery is used to describe Tilly's beautiful dresses, made by her own hand. For example, Ham describes her in a green gown:
"Couples stood aside and stared at Tilly, draped in a striking green gown that was sculpted, crafted about her svelte frame. It curved with her hips, stretched over her breasts, and clung to her thighs."
This use of imagery emphasizes the beauty of the dress and also how it flatters Tilly's frame.
