Repeated Images in Part One of Cane

TL;DRAbstract

initital image patterns in Cane grow out of each of the four lines which appear on the title-page of the book: Oracular. / Redolent of fermenting syrup, / Purple of the dusk, / Deep-rooted cane. First, there is the word oracular, derived originally from the Latin word orare 'to pray,' which, by extension with chanting, as Oxford English Dictionary notes, was associated with oracles. A portion of these meanings is still retained in the modern understanding of oracle as a wise expression. In Cane the idea of expressing and reciting is reflected in the sounds, songs, and chants which were so much a part of the black folk spirit. Out of the sight and smell of boiling syrup grows a second image pattern. making of syrup is only a significant part of one story in Part One; however, the fire and smoke which are associated with the process are frequent images there. Dusk is also an important image, and as Part One draws to a close, purple and colors similar to it become dominant. Lastly, there

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