The Pale Threat: Imagery

The Pale Threat: Imagery of Dust in “Eveline” It turns the brightest colors to gray. It collects in corners, on shelves, under bureaus, and over door moldings. Left unchecked it will embolden and encroach from these safer areas on the whole of a home, eventually blending every feature into a uniform drab. To many people it is a threat to health. Beginning with discomfort of the eyes and nasal cavity, this elusive enemy can continue …

…throughout the present of the story. Yes, she enjoys Franks company, but the last reason the story gives for her desire to go is that Frank will save her—she wants to live. Eveline fears the dust; she fears what her life could do to her. But she more fears the being without it; she as a greater fear of the unknown and finally finds the dust more comforting, perhaps in its dependability, than threatening.