Ireland
Much of the novel is set in Dublin, Ireland; this is where Veronica was born and raised. She uses imagery to describe the landscape, surroundings, and culture in Ireland, which includes an emphasis on her family's Catholic beliefs. As part of her discussion of Ireland, Enright explores religion, family life, and politics, painting a rich picture of Ireland in the 20th Century.
The Silence
Veronica describes what happened at her grandmother's house as being the "silence." This use of imagery emphasizes both her silence and the silence of her brother, as both did not speak about the abuse they endured as children.
Ada's house
Veronica describes her grandmother's house using dark and haunting imagery. For example, she feels a silence in the air at this house, and this imagery is used to reflect her own feelings about the abuse that took place there.
