The Palace of Perfumes
One of Vathek's five palaces dedicated to the senses is "The Palace of Perfumes." It is described as consisting of "various halls where the different perfumes which the earth produces were kept perpetually burning in censers of gold." The narrator also describes how "flambeaus and aromatic lamps were here lighted in open day," and how there was an "immense garden, where an assemblage of every fragrant flower diffused through the air the purest odours." The imagery used here emphasizes how indulgent and greedy the Caliph is, and also contributes to the enchanting nature of the palace.
Vathek's pride
The narrator describes how Vathek built himself a large tower and looked down upon his kingdom:
"His pride arrived at its height when, having ascended for the first time the eleven thousand stairs of his tower, he cast his eyes below and beheld men not larger than pismires, mountains than shells, and cities than beehives."
This use of imagery emphasizes how high Vathek is, which is a visual representation of his ego, high ambitions, and selfishness.
The Sabres
One day, a hideous man arrives in Vathek's kingdom, bringing with him some strange sabres. The sabres are described as having blades that "emitted a dazzling radiance." This use of imagery makes the sabres seem intriguing and enchanted, and also suggests that are associated with the supernatural in some way.
