A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Imagery 1 key example

In Chapter 21, Francie further unpacks the politics of her tumultuous school environment, contrasting her regular teachers with those who visit occasionally. Through imagery and metaphor, Francie expresses the light these visiting teachers bring into her environment:

These two visiting teachers were the gold and silver sun-splash in the great muddy river of school days, days made up of dreary hours in which Teacher made her pupils sit rigid with their hands folded behind their back while she read a novel hidden in her lap. If all the teachers had been like Miss Bernstone and Mr. Morton, Francie would have known plain what heaven was. But it was just as well. There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory.

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