How does the author use imagery in the novel, A Torch Against the Night?

Tahir uses a mixture of sensory details describing the external world and italicized internal dialogue which illustrate the characters’ thoughts about these external events. One example occurs in Chapter 42, as Helene traverses an abyss to spy on the Commandant outside of Kauf prison. Tahir alternately describes the physical process of traversing—the freezing wind that whips at Helene, the sweat that roles down her back, the feeling of the wall slamming against her body as she rappels down—and Helene’s own urgent thoughts, written in italicized text – “The stupidest bleeding thing you could have done, Aquilla”; “Don’t retch. Commandant wouldn’t thank you for spewing sick all over the top of her tent” (343-344).